Quick answer: “A long shot” means an attempt or possibility that has very little chance of success, but is still worth trying.
A long shot — An attempt or possibility that has very little chance of success, but is still worth trying.
Meaning
When something is described as “a long shot”, it means the chances of it succeeding are small, but not zero — and the attempt is usually seen as worthwhile despite the odds. The phrase acknowledges realistic doubt while still leaving room for hope or effort. It is commonly used about job applications, competitions, sports predictions, medical treatments, and political races.
The idiom can function as a noun phrase (“it's a long shot”) or as a modifier (“a long-shot candidate”). It is used across spoken English, sports and political journalism, and everyday planning conversations, and it carries a tone of cautious optimism rather than pure pessimism.
Origin & Usage Note
The idiom likely comes from shooting or marksmanship, where hitting a target from a great distance is far less reliable than hitting one close up. A “long shot” in this literal sense was always a low-probability attempt, even if a skilled shooter occasionally succeeded. Over time, the phrase moved into general use to describe any plan or possibility with low odds of success, and it became especially common in betting and horse racing, where a “long shot” horse is one given poor odds of winning.
Because the image of a distant, difficult target is easy to visualise, the idiom has remained transparent in meaning even for learners who are unfamiliar with shooting or racing. It is documented in general-purpose references such as the Cambridge Dictionary.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Applying for that scholarship is a long shot, but you should still give it a try. | Education; encouraging an unlikely but worthwhile attempt |
| The underdog team is a long shot to win the championship this year. | Sports; describing low odds of victory |
| It's a long shot, but maybe he still has your old phone number. | Everyday conversation; expressing a slim hope |
| The experimental treatment is a long shot, but the doctors think it's worth trying. | Medical context; cautious hope despite low odds |
| Winning the lottery twice is a long shot, to say the least. | Humorous exaggeration of low probability |
How to Use It
The idiom is typically introduced with “it's a long shot, but…” or used as a description of a person, plan, or outcome (“a long-shot bid”). It works well in spoken English, sports commentary, and informal-to-neutral writing such as news articles. In strictly formal or statistical writing, a phrase such as “low-probability outcome” would usually be preferred.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
It's a long shot, so there's absolutely no point trying.
It's a long shot, but it's still worth trying. — The idiom implies a small but real chance, not impossibility; it usually pairs with encouragement to try anyway.
He took a long shot in the dark and guessed the answer.
He took a shot in the dark and guessed the answer. — “A long shot” and “a shot in the dark” are different idioms; do not merge them into one phrase.
She is a long shot away from finishing the marathon.
Finishing the marathon is a long shot for her. — “A long shot” describes a low-probability goal itself, not physical or numerical distance from a finish line.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
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Quick Check: A long shot
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “a long shot” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “Applying for that scholarship is a _____, but you should still give it a try.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “a long shot” mean?
“A long shot” means an attempt, plan, or possibility that has very little chance of succeeding, but is still considered worth trying because the potential reward is high enough.
Where does the expression “a long shot” come from?
The idiom likely comes from shooting or gambling, where hitting a target from a very long distance is difficult and unlikely to succeed. Over time this image of an unlikely but possible hit was applied more broadly to any attempt with low odds of success.
Can you give an example of “a long shot” in a sentence?
Here is an example: “Applying for that scholarship is a long shot, but you should still give it a try.” The idiom is used here to describe a low-probability attempt that is nonetheless worthwhile.
Is “a long shot” formal or informal?
The idiom is neutral to informal. It is common in everyday conversation, sports commentary, business discussions, and journalism. It is generally too casual for strictly formal or academic writing, where a phrase like “a low-probability outcome” might be preferred.
What CEFR level is “a long shot”?
This idiom is typically encountered at B2 level. It requires learners to be comfortable with figurative descriptions of probability and chance, which are common in intermediate-to-advanced spoken and written English.
What are common mistakes with “a long shot”?
A common mistake is using “a long shot” to mean something is impossible; the idiom implies a small but real chance, not zero chance. Another error is confusing it with “a shot in the dark”, which describes a guess made with little or no information rather than a low-probability attempt at a known goal.
What is the difference between “a long shot” and “a shot in the dark”?
“A long shot” describes an attempt with a low but known chance of success, often at something specific and desirable, such as winning a competition. “A shot in the dark” describes a guess made without enough information to know whether it is even close to correct. The two idioms overlap in tone but are not interchangeable.
Can “long shot” be used as an adjective phrase?
Yes. It is common to describe something directly as a “long-shot bid” or a “long-shot candidate”, meaning an attempt or contender that is unlikely to succeed. In this form it functions as a modifier before a noun.
How do I practise idioms like “a long shot”?
LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises are excellent for practising English idioms in context. Try writing your own example sentences about chances and risks, and listen for the idiom in sports and election commentary.
Is “a long shot” used in both British and American English?
Yes. “A long shot” is used and understood identically in both British and American English. It is a very common idiom that appears regularly in sports journalism, politics, and everyday conversation in both varieties.