Something that has little chance of success or happening, or an attempt that is unlikely to succeed but worth trying.
Originally from horse racing in the 1860s, referring to a horse with long odds against winning. The term expanded from gambling contexts to general usage by the early 1900s, maintaining its core meaning of low probability but potential high reward.
The beauty of 'long shot' lies in its optimistic undertone despite describing low odds. When someone calls their plan a 'long shot,' they're acknowledging the slim chances while simultaneously expressing hope and determination to try anyway.
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