When you’re embarking on something with very little hope or predictability of success, you’re “taking a long shot.” The phrase speaks to our somewhat optimistic, somewhat reckless human nature.
Related and Similar Terms, Proverbs, and Expressions
- Blind Guess: Making a guess without having any information to go on.
- Hail Mary: Taking a desperate last-minute chance.
- Shot in the Dark: A complete guess, with minimal knowledge.
- Stab in the Dark: Taking a wild guess.
- Roll of the Dice: Risking something with an unknown outcome.
Humor-Filled Quotes
“Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while,” they say. But at least the squirrel gets the extra workout.
“Guesses, like gossip, have a tendency of spreading like wildfire,” quips W. T. Wittywords, “though the former tends to smell less smoky.”
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Guess, gamble, bet, speculate
- Antonyms: Certainty, fact, sure thing
Inspirational Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Books: The Third Man by Graham Greene – More than just a cliché, this book has elements of mystery, risk, and gut instinct.
- Movie: A Shot in the Dark (1964) – This Peter Sellers classic brings hilarity to the concept of taking a chance with minimal clarity.
- Song: “Take a Chance on Me” by ABBA – The ultimate anthem for those looking to take a leap of faith.
- Poetry: The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost – While not a direct match, Frost’s work explores making decisions and taking paths less known.
- Classic Proverbs: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
May you forever dare to take the long shots. After all, as the audacious Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau once proved, sometimes the riskiest of endeavors yield the most amusing rewards.
