it's a long shot

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseinformal

   Used to say that something is unlikely to succeed, but is still worth attempting.

   Grammar: Often used as a complete comment, or after 'I know' or 'It may be'. It does not take an object.

   Patterns

   • it's a long shot
   • I know it's a long shot, but ...
   • something is a long shot

   I know it's a long shot, but could you lend me your car for the weekend?

   Applying for that job is a long shot, but she decided to try anyway.

   It's a long shot that we'll get tickets this late, but let's check online.

2. 2phrasecountableinformal

   A guess or attempt that has only a small chance of being correct or successful.

   Grammar: Can be used as a countable noun phrase: 'a long shot'. The plural is rare but possible.

   Patterns

   • take a long shot
   • be a long shot

   His answer was a long shot, but it turned out to be right.

   The team took a long shot and signed the young player.

Common combinations

know it's a long shot

I know it's a long shot, but can you help me move on Saturday?

be a long shot

Winning the lottery is a long shot, so don't rely on it.

take a long shot

She took a long shot and applied for the manager's job.

a long shot, but worth a try

It's a long shot, but worth a try.

Synonyms and how they differ

unlikely

This adjective simply describes a low chance; 'a long shot' is a noun phrase and often suggests you should still try.

a gamble

A gamble is a risky action with an uncertain result; a long shot emphasizes the low probability more than the risk.

Opposites

Commonly confused: it's a long shot or long shot?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “it's a long shot”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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