long shot

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See also: longshot

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

The term arose from the accuracy of early naval guns, which were effective only at close range and unlikely to hit the mark at any great distance.

Pronunciation

  • (file)

Noun

long shot (plural long shots)

  1. A shot fired at a distant target.
    • 1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 74:
      "It is of course a most foolish thing twice to take a long shot in a capercailzie wood, as you know," said the captain, appealing to me; "but the last time I had no choice, because I heard that villainous Andreas stalking the bird at the same time."
  2. (idiomatic) Something unlikely; something that has little chance of happening or working.
    We can try your plan, but it's a long shot and it probably won't work.
    • 2023 May 18, Christopher Clarey, “Even as He’s Out, Rafael Nadal Will Always Be a Part of the French Open”, in The New York Times:
      His reign in Paris — full of flexed biceps, forehand winners and underrated court craft — is one of the great achievements in any sport, and though a 15th title is a long shot at this late stage, all we know for certain is that Nadal will not be winning it this year.
  3. (film) A master shot, the primary wide shot of a scene into which the closeups will be edited later.

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