long shot
noun [in singular]
An attempt or guess that has only the slightest chance of succeeding or being accurate: it’s a long shot, but well worth trying...
- I thought I'd call the police station, just on the off chance, the long shot that it had turned up.
- Though not impossible, attempting to obtain permission for residential use would be a long shot.
- It's still a long shot but increased exposure is building up experience and the chances are shortening.
Phrases
(not) by a long shot