long shot

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See also: longshot

English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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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

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Noun

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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[1]:
      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.

Synonyms

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See also

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Anagrams

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