LONGSHOT Meaning and
Definition
-
A "longshot" is a noun that refers to something that is considered highly unlikely or improbable to happen, achieve, or succeed. It typically denotes an ambitious or risky attempt that has a very low chance of being successful, making it a seemingly distant or long shot. The term originates from horse racing, where it describes a horse with very high odds of winning a race, indicating that the chance of victory is considered remote or unlikely.
In broader contexts, a longshot can be used to describe a person, an endeavor, or a situation that is believed to have minimal chances of success due to various factors such as lack of experience, resources, or support. It implies that achieving the desired outcome is akin to hitting a target that is far away, emphasizing the difficulty and unlikeliness of accomplishing it. Despite the odds, individuals or groups can take on longshots driven by determination, aspiration, or a desire to challenge the status quo.
The term "longshot" can also be used colloquially to describe an unexpected and surprising occurrence or outcome that defies expectations or predictions. It suggests an unlikely turning point, often yielding a positive or favorable result that was unforeseen. This secondary usage acknowledges the element of surprise and the deviation from the expected course of events, imbuing the term with a sense of astonishment and awe.
Common Misspellings for LONGSHOT
- kongshot
- pongshot
- oongshot
- lingshot
- lkngshot
- llngshot
- lpngshot
- l0ngshot
- l9ngshot
- lobgshot
- lomgshot
- lojgshot
- lohgshot
- lonfshot
- lonvshot
- lonbshot
- lonhshot
- lonyshot
- lontshot
Etymology of LONGSHOT
The word "longshot" originally derived from the sport of horse racing. It can be traced back to the early 19th century and is a compound of two words: "long" and "shot".
The word "long" refers to something of great length or distance. In horse racing, a "long" horse was one that had odds considered to be unfavorable or unlikely to win the race. This usage of "long" to denote something unfavorable or unlikely can also be seen in expressions like "the long end of the stick" or "a long shot".
The word "shot" refers to aiming or firing a projectile, such as shooting a gun or an arrow. In the context of horse racing, a "shot" referred to each individual horse's chance of winning the race. A longshot, therefore, referred to a horse with low odds or a small chance of winning.
Similar spelling words for LONGSHOT
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
