long shot

noun

ˈlȯŋ-ˌshät 

1

: a venture involving great risk but promising a great reward if successful

also : a venture unlikely to succeed

2

: an entry (as in a horse race) given little chance of winning

3

: a bet in which the chances of winning are slight but the possible winnings great

Phrases

by a long shot

: by a great deal

Examples of long shot in a Sentence

I hope to double my profits, but I know that's a long shot.

The horse was a long shot, but we bet on him anyway.

She always bets on long shots at the racetrack.

Recent Examples on the Web

In other words, this case is not over by a long shot. —Gabriel J. Chin, The Conversation, 30 May 2024

Goodrow followed shortly afterward by deflecting in a long shot from Braden Schneider. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 May 2024

Reid laid out the scenario: If the track is sloppy and the early pace is fast, perhaps this long shot could make some noise. —Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 17 May 2024

Most of the time, 30 yards would be considered a long shot. —Scott Haugen, Outdoor Life, 22 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

long shot

noun

ˈlȯŋ-ˌshät 

1

: a great risk that promises a great reward if successful

2

: an entry (as in a horse race) given little chance of winning