long shot, a
long shot
1. A bet that has a low probability of winning. That horse is a long shot, but the bet will pay well if he wins the race.
2. Something that has a very small chance of succeeding. I know it's a long shot because of his busy schedule, but maybe I can convince him to help me with this project. Her candidacy was a long shot from the beginning, and her landslide defeat was no surprise.
See also: long, shot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
long shot, a
A remote possibility of success, as in It's a long shot that Joan will actually finish the marathon, or He may be a good programmer, but he's a long shot for that job. This expression alludes to the inaccuracy of early firearms, which when shot over a distance rarely hit the target. It is commonly used in horseracing for a bet made at great odds. A related phrase is not by a long shot, meaning "not even remotely," as in I'll never make it to California in three days, not by a long shot. [Late 1800s]
See also: long
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- a long shot
- long shot
- long shot, (not by) a
- bet on
- bet on (someone or something)
- play the field
- play the field, to
- bet on it
- bet (one's) boots
- welch on (someone or something)