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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Long shot

What is the meaning and origin of the phrase "long shot" ?
  

Top answer

A related notion is that of an extreme long shot. This can be taken from as much as a quarter of a mile away, and is generally used as a scene-setting, establishing shot. It normally shows an exterior, eg the outside of a building, or a landscape, and is often used to show scenes of thrilling action eg in a war film or disaster movie.

— Alex-93

  • A related notion is that of an extreme long shot.
  • This can be taken from as much as a quarter of a mile away, and is generally used as a scene-setting, establishing shot.
  • It normally shows an exterior, eg the outside of a building, or a landscape, and is often used to show scenes of thrilling action eg in a war film or disaster movie.
  • There will be very little detail visible in the shot, as it is meant to give a general impression rather than specific information.
  • Well, that's a definition I found.
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4 Answers
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A related notion is that of an extreme long shot. This can be taken from as much as a quarter of a mile away, and is generally used as a scene-setting, establishing shot. It normally shows an exterior, eg the outside of a building, or a landscape, and is often used to show scenes of thrilling action eg in a war film or disaster movie. There will be very little detail visible in the shot, as it is
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But I thought 'a long shot' meant "an attempt or a guess that is not likely to be successful but is worth trying".
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I think it's hard to clarify the correct meaning here, cause it can be used in many situations.
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AnonymousBut I thought 'a long shot' meant "an attempt or a guess that is not likely to be successful but is worth trying".

As you have seen, 'long shot' can mean more than one thing. Consider a rifleman trying to hit a target a long distance away. That may help you to understand the metaphoric content of the expression.

CJ
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