long shot

American  

[lawng shot, long] / ˈlɔŋ ˌʃɒt, ˈlɒŋ /

noun

1. a horse, team, etc., that has little chance of winning and carries long odds.

2. an attempt or undertaking that offers much but in which there is little chance for success.

   Getting tickets at this late date is a long shot, but I'll give it a whirl.

3. Movies, Television. a camera shot taken at a relatively great distance from the subject and permitting a broad view of a scene.

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idioms

1. by a long shot, by any means; by a measurable degree (usually used in the negative).

   They haven't finished by a long shot.

long shot British  

noun

1. a competitor, as in a race, considered to be unlikely to win

2. a bet against heavy odds

3. an undertaking, guess, or possibility with little chance of success

4. films television a shot where the camera is or appears to be distant from the object to be photographed

5. by any means

   he still hasn't finished by a long shot

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Etymology

Origin of long shot

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

The rescue effort was seen as a long shot and criticised by experts who said it would only cause the animal more distress.

From Barron's • May 2, 2026

At this point, that is a long shot.

From Salon • Apr. 10, 2026

But there are still big questions for Pakistan; and securing a peace deal is a long shot.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

A long shot: Early buyers unfazed by record-breaking four-figure ticket prices were quick to snap up entry-level passes to big games, said Stengele.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

This had been a long shot, trying to get the Ridgefolk to help.

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

Related Words

• fluke