A long shot
Meaning
An attempt or venture that has only a slight chance of success.
Origin
The thrilling spectacle of 19th-century horse racing gave birth to 'a long shot.' Imagine the roar of the crowd, the thundering hooves, and a horse positioned so far behind the leaders that its chances of victory seemed almost impossible. This animal, literally a 'long shot' from the finish line, would command incredibly high odds from bookmakers, reflecting the immense unlikelihood of its triumph. Yet, the occasional underdog victory thrilled spectators, solidifying the phrase's powerful image: a high-stakes gamble against overwhelming odds. This vivid metaphor of improbable success soon galloped beyond the racetrack, becoming a universal term for any endeavor with only a slim chance of succeeding.
Examples
- Winning the lottery is always a long shot, but someone has to win.
- He knew getting the promotion was a long shot, given the intense competition, but he applied anyway.