THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A long shot
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
An attempt or possibility that has only a small chance of success.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- It is a long shot, but the library may still have a spare copy.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
It is ________, but the library may still have a spare copy.
Show the answer
A long shot — An attempt or possibility that has only a small chance of success.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A long shot” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
An attempt or possibility that has only a small chance of success.
Compare: It is a long shot, but the library may still have a spare copy.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this conversational expression when a possibility is unlikely but may still be worth trying. It sets realistic expectations without saying success is impossible.
More examples in context
- Getting a room at such short notice is a long shot.
- I sent the organiser a message, although I knew it was a long shot.
Usage note
Use a long shot, with a. The expression means unlikely, not impossible. In other contexts, long shot can have a literal meaning connected with distance, so make the intended context clear.
A short conversation
A: Do you think there is one ticket left?
B: It is a long shot, but we can ask at the desk.
A: I will check before we leave.
One more practice question
What does “It is a long shot, but let’s try” mean?
A. Success is unlikely, though still possible.
B. Success is completely guaranteed.
Check your answer
A. A long shot has a small chance of working; the phrase does not promise success.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.