Have You Ever Heard Someone Say Something Is "A Long Shot"?
Learn what “a long shot” means, where this common English idiom comes from, and how to use it (plus “not by a long shot”) naturally in everyday and business conversations.
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Have you ever tried something even though you knew the odds weren't in your favor? That feeling has a name in English: a long shot. I grew up in a family where horse racing was a shared activity between my father and other male relatives, and "long shot" was an expression I heard constantly growing up, and still use often today.
What Does "A Long Shot" Mean?
Something is a long shot means there's a low chance of it happening, a low possibility of success. It's often used when you still plan to try, even knowing the odds aren't great.
Why Do People Say It?
This expression actually comes from horse racing, dating back to the late 1700s. When a horse is called a "long shot," it means that horse has a very small chance of winning the race. Over time, people started using this term in everyday conversation, far beyond the racetrack.
For example: "I'll try to negotiate a lower price, but it's a long shot because the owner is firm on it."
When Can You Use "A Long Shot"?
When you're attempting something with low odds of success, but trying anyway
When discussing a risky decision, like a job application or investment
When you want to sound more natural and native-like in everyday conversation
When emphasizing that something is nearly impossible, using "not by a long shot"
Business English Example
During a meeting about a competitive job offer, a colleague says: "I'm going to apply anyway. I know it's a long shot since they usually hire from within, but it's worth a try."
Everyday English Example
A friend mentions buying a lottery ticket and says: "Winning the lottery is a long shot, but I'll buy a ticket anyway and hope for the best."
"Not By a Long Shot"
There's also a common variation of this expression: "not by a long shot." This phrase means not even close, and it's used to strongly emphasize that something is impossible or highly unlikely.
For example: "You want to become a professional basketball player at 50 years old? Not by a long shot."
Here, "not by a long shot" is simply a more expressive way of saying impossible.
Vocabulary and Expressions
Low possibility - a small chance that something will happen Example: There's a low possibility of rain today, but I'll bring an umbrella just in case.
Incorporate - to include something as part of a larger whole Example: She incorporated new vocabulary into her daily conversations.
Firm - fixed, not willing to change Example: The landlord was firm on the rent price and wouldn't negotiate.
💡 Teacher's Tip
Picture a horse at the back of the pack, far from the finish line. That's the image behind "long shot," a low chance, but not zero. Use this expression anytime you want to describe trying something despite the odds, or use "not by a long shot" when you want to firmly say something is impossible.
Practice
1. What does "a long shot" mean? A) A guaranteed success B) A low chance of success C) A sudden decision D) A short distance
2. Which sentence correctly uses "not by a long shot"? A) The team won the game, not by a long shot. B) She finished the race not by a long shot. C) Can he finish the marathon in an hour? Not by a long shot. D) Not by a long shot, the coffee was ready.
Answers: 1) B 2) C
Build Your English Habit
Next time you're about to try something risky, even if the odds are low, try describing it as "a long shot." And if someone asks you something clearly impossible, respond with "not by a long shot." Small expressions like these go a long way in making your English sound more natural.
✦ Go slow. Go fast. Just keep going.