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

Armed with rising star quarterbacks and coaches, the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots defied their long shot reputations to reach Super Bowl LX.

From Los Angeles Times

But these newfangled Patriots began this season as 80-1 long shots.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots both were regarded as long shots.

From Los Angeles Times

“Carved it all with my own two hands. It’s only taken most of my life so far. And it’s not finished yet. Not by a long shot.”

From Literature

The injury has reduced her to a long shot.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fluke