🎯 See: Long Shot
Definition: “Long shot” refers to an attempt or effort that has a low probability of succeeding but is nonetheless undertaken with some hope or optimism.
Synonyms:
- Hail Mary (No, not that Mary!)
- Outside chance
- Slim odds
Antonyms:
- Sure bet
- No-brainer
- Foregone conclusion
Related Expressions:
- “Against all odds”: Meaning something achieved despite great difficulties.
- “Worth a shot”: Suggesting that something is worth trying even if success isn’t guaranteed.
- “Shot in the dark”: Attempt that has very little chance of success.
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “I put my two dollars on that horse. Let’s just say it was a very long shot… longer than Rapunzel’s hair!” – Anonymous
- “We’ve made a spaghetti rocket! It’s a long shot but it’s past-a-rible.” – Unkitchen Genius
Proverbs:
- “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.”
Similar Terms:
- “Pipe dream”: An unrealistic hope or fantasy.
- “Moonshot”: A challenging and ambitious goal.
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Book: Against All Odds by Danielle Steel – Explore the lives of five different families facing their own long shots.
- Song: “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins – Musical essence of making it despite slim chances.
- Movie: The Long Shot (2004) – A heartwarming film about a woman overcoming challenges to compete in equestrian show jumping.
Fun Fact:
Did you know the term “long shot” originated from horse racing where a horse with long odds was considered to have a small chance to win? 🏇 Given the unpredictability of races, a win against the odds was indeed a triumph worthy of note.
Intriguing Quiz
### Which of these phrases is similar to "long shot"?
- [ ] Fast runner
- [x] Hail Mary
- [ ] Quick pick
- [ ] Sure bet
> **Explanation:** "Hail Mary" refers to a desperate, last-resort effort, much like a long shot.
### Which idiom does not fit with the others?
- [ ] Hail Mary
- [x] No-brainer
- [ ] Shot in the dark
- [ ] Pipe dream
> **Explanation:** "No-brainer" implies something is very easy and certain, the opposite of a "long shot".
### True or False: A "long shot" is an attempt with a high chance of success.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** It's the opposite; a "long shot" has a low chance of success but is tried anyway.
Author: W. T. Wittywords
Publication Date: October 1, 2023
Inspirational Note:
“Embrace the long shots in life; they take you on the paths less traveled and sometimes lead straight to magic. 🎯 Keep shooting for the stars, even if they’re light-years away. 🌟”
