long shot

[ lawng shot, long ]

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. Compare close-up ( def 2 ), medium shot.

long shot

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 a long shot
   by any means

   he still hasn't finished by a long shot

Word History and Origins

Origin of long shot¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

It’s a long shot and something that will take years, but if we storytellers don’t try, who the hell will?

From Salon

Over the span of a year, I’ve seen Jurado’s remarkable journey from political long shot to surprise winner to history maker.

From Los Angeles Times

Republicans appear likely to retain control of the House of Representatives, but that remains unclear and Democrats could have a long shot path to taking power.

From Los Angeles Times

At 2-6 it is a long shot Winston can do the same but he has at least brought the team to life.

From BBC

The speed with which he gathers himself is unlike Rob, but it’s because he knows that there’s a sliver of a world where this is wonderful and brilliant — but it’s a long shot.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fluke