long shot noun
plural ∼ shots [count] 1 : an attempt or effort that is not likely to be successful
▪ I hope to double my profits, but I know that's a long shot. 2 chiefly US : a person or thing that is not likely to win something (such as a contest or race)
▪ The horse was a long shot, but we bet on him anyway. ▪ She always bets on long shots at the racetrack. ▪ a political long shot
▪ 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. ▪ a political long shot
by a long shot
: by a great extent or degree : by far
▪ It was the biggest problem we had—by a long shot.
▪ It was the biggest problem we had—by a long shot.
not by a long shot
: not at all
▪ Our work isn't done yet, not by a long shot. [=we still have a lot more work to do]
▪ Our work isn't done yet, not by a long shot. [=we still have a lot more work to do]
