“Not by a Long Shot” 🎯
“Not by a long shot” — This idiom often indicates that something is very unlikely or far off from being achieved. It’s like saying, “Shooting for the moon… and landing in my backyard.” A long shot, indeed!
💡 Definition:
It means something is highly improbable or has a very low chance of occurring. When you see this idiom, think of a long-distance horse race where the least favored competitor stands little chance.
🧠 Synonyms:
- Not even close
- Not on your life
- Fat chance
- When pigs fly
😜 Antonyms:
- Certainly
- By all means
- A sure thing
- Piece of cake
Famous Quote:
“Sure, I could win the lottery—just like I could get struck by lightning while riding a unicorn… not by a long shot.”
— Anonymous Dreamer Explains Odds
📚 In Literature:
- “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger: The phrase captures Holden’s chances of finding contentment in a fractured world.
- “Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes: Our knight endeavors on quests where his chances of success are, well, not by a long shot.
🎼 In Music:
- “Improbable” by Ella Dreams: The lyrics echo the sentiment of aiming high despite the odds.
🍿 On the Big Screen:
- “Rocky” series: Who would’ve thought a lowly boxer could go the distance? Not by a long shot — but he did!
🤓 Related Terms and Expressions:
- “Hail Mary Pass”: A dramatic or desperate attempt.
- “Shot in the dark”: An attempt that’s unlikely to succeed but made without all necessary information.
- “Long odds”: Another term indicating low probability.
🔮 Proverbs and Wisdom:
“Fortune sides with him who dares” — Virgil
🌟 Fictitious Author’s Farewell:
Dear reader, always remember to shoot your shot, even if it’s a long one. Optimism is often the key to unlocking improbable miracles. Aim high, dream bigger!
Yours in spirited ambition, E. L. Liptic
