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The idiomatic phrase “shot in the dark” is one you may often hear or see used in everyday conversation and writing. This reference explains the meaning of the phrase and its origin.
You will also see examples of how to use this phrase correctly in conversations and statements and find some suggested alternatives for saying this phrase differently while still conveying the same meaning. This concise information will help you understand this phrase better and confidently use it in your daily interactions.
Shot In The Dark Meaning, Origin and Usage
Key Takeaways
- “Shot in the dark” means a guess or attempt made with little information or low chances of success.
Shot In The Dark Meaning
The phrase “shot in the dark” refers to a guess or attempt at something with very little information, knowledge, or chance of success. It implies that the action is based on uncertainty or a lack of clear direction, often involving risk or chance.
Origin of this Idiomatic Expression
This idiom originated from the word shot meaning to attempt to complete a task. The word shot has been used in this sense since 1841. It was not until 1895 that the entire phrase “shot in the dark” was used in a piece of writing titled The Saturday Review by George Bernard Shaw. The phrase was meant to signify the act of shooting and aiming for something in the dark. Doing this is taking a chance that you will hit a target that you cannot see.
Usage of “Shot In The Dark”
- Making a random guess:
- “I didn’t know the answer to the question, so I took a shot in the dark and guessed.”
- Trying something without certainty:
- “It was a shot in the dark to apply for the job, but I got the interview!”
- Attempting something with low chances of success:
- “We didn’t have enough evidence, but the lawyer took a shot in the dark with the argument.”
- In a business context:
- “Investing in that startup was a real shot in the dark, but it paid off in the end.”
- Describing an uncertain situation:
- “Finding a parking spot downtown at this hour is like taking a shot in the dark.”
Related Terms to “Shot In The Dark”
- Stab in the dark – A guess or attempt made with little to no knowledge.
- Guesswork – The process of making a guess when there’s insufficient information.
- Hail Mary – A desperate attempt, often made with little chance of success.
- Long shot – Something that has a very low probability of success.
- Wild guess – A completely random or uninformed guess.
- Blind guess – A guess made without any information to guide it.
- Off the cuff – Something said or done spontaneously without preparation or full knowledge.
- Throw caution to the wind – To take a risk or act without worrying about the consequences.
- Leap of faith – To take a risk or make a decision based on trust or hope, without certainty of success.
- Trial and error – A process of experimenting until a solution is found, often without clear guidance.
Other Ways to Say “Shot In The Dark”
As with most idiomatic phrases, there are several other ways you can say “shot in the dark” that still convey the same meaning. Some of the other ways you can say this phrase include:
- Take a wild guess
- Take a chance
- Risk it all
“Shot In The Dark” Examples
Examples in Statements
A statement made by a celebrity in an interview by a well-known entertainment magazine.
- “I am going to take a shot in the dark and assume you have not yet been to see my latest movie. It is the best film of my career.”
A statement made by a politician on the campaign trail.
- “Knowing what a majority of the people want or expect from the candidates is like taking a shot in the dark. You just have to make the best assumptions you can based on the information you have available at the time and run with it.”
Examples in Conversation
A conversation between a teacher and one of his students.
- Teacher: I am taking a shot in the dark here, but I am going to guess you don’t have your homework again.
- Student: Actually I do have it today Mr. Saunders.
- Teacher: No way! You do! I am amazed!
A conversation between a husband and wife.
- Wife: I bet you don’t remember what today is.
- Husband: Well I know it is not our anniversary. I am going to take a shot in the dark and say its the day I proposed?
- Wife: Nope, it’s actually the day you first asked me out 25 years ago.
More useful examples:
- It’s hard to know exactly what to do, we’ll just have to take a shot in the dark.
- My answer to the last question was a complete shot in the dark.
- The figure he came up with was really just a shot in the dark.
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