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

"It's a long shot and ambitious but the species needs time and space without being constantly walloped by myrtle rust to hopefully express some resistance," Professor Fensham said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 13, 2026

Freddie Stone, 24, is standing in his dad's fish and chip restaurant in Carbis Bay and says saving a deposit for an average £300k home is "a long shot".

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

The injury has reduced her to a long shot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

Six months ago, half of the nominated supporting actresses would seem like a long shot in their category.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

However, if the long shot is your only shot, then you have to take it.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

Related Words

• fluke