PhrasesHub

Shot in the dark

    Definitions

      • guess or attempt without much hope of success
        To describe a guess or attempt that is unlikely to be successful due to a lack of information or knowledge

      • random or haphazard
        To describe something done without a specific plan or purpose, often in a careless or reckless manner

    Examples of Shot in the dark

    • The police had no leads in the case, so they searched blindly, taking a shot in the dark.

      This idiom is used when a person is trying to solve a problem or guess an answer without any information or evidence. It can also mean making a guess in a hopeless situation with little chance of success.

    • I'm not sure what the password is, but I'll take a shot in the dark and try "password123".

      In this example, the speaker is attempting to guess the password for a secure system without any prior knowledge or clues.

    • The singer took a shot in the dark by performing an unreleased song at the end of the concert.

      In this example, the singer is taking a risk by performing a new and untested song in front of a live audience.

    • The company's marketing strategy was a shot in the dark, but they were fortunate enough to hit their target.

      This idiom is used when a person's approach is uncertain or risky, but they are still hopeful of success. In this case, the marketing strategy was a calculated gamble that paid off in the end.

    • The detective took a shot in the dark by guessing the identity of the killer based on a hunch.

      In this example, "a shot in the dark" is used as a metaphor to describe an action that is taken without any clear evidence or logical reasoning, much like taking a shot in the dark when one cannot see the target clearly. The detective's guess is a risky move since the evidence is not strong enough to support such a claim. Nonetheless, sometimes, hunches or gut feelings can unexpectedly pan out, resulting in a success story.

    • Jane's job interview did not go as planned, but she decided to take a shot in the dark by sending an email to the human resources department, expressing her willingness to reapply.

      In this example, "a shot in the dark" is used to describe a risky move that has a slim chance of succeeding, but it's worth a try. Jane's previous interview did not go well, and she wants to reapply for the same position. However, instead of waiting for the company to advertise the job again, she takes a proactive approach by sending an email expressing her interest. Even though she knows that there's a good chance that her email won't be replied to, she's willing to take the risk.

    • The team lost every single game during the regular season, but then they took a shot in the dark and made it all the way to the playoffs by playing without any pressure.

      In this example, "a shot in the dark" is used as a metaphor to describe an unexpected outcome that defies the odds. The team's performance during the regular season was abysmal, and they were practically written off as underdogs. However, during the playoffs, they found a way to play confidently and without any pressure, which ultimately led to their success.

    • The writer spent hours trying to come up with the perfect title for her book, but in the end, she took a shot in the dark and combined two random words.

      In this example, "a shot in the dark" is used to describe a desperate attempt to solve a problem when all other options have been exhausted. The writer struggled to come up with the perfect title for her book, but she eventually hit a wall and couldn't think of anything else. In frustration, she decided to combine two random words and hope for the best, as it was better than having no title at all. It turned out that the random combination was actually a catchy and memorable title.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "shot in the dark" can be used to convey a sense of uncertainty or lack of hope in a particular action or guess. It can also be used to describe something done without a clear plan or purpose. Overall, the phrase is used to express a lack of confidence in the success of an action or decision.

    Origin of "Shot in the dark"

    The origin of the idiom "shot in the dark" can be traced back to the idea of taking a shot, or firing a gun, in the darkness without a clear target. This action is likely to be unsuccessful as the lack of visibility makes it difficult to aim accurately. Over time, the phrase has been figuratively used to describe any action or guess that is unlikely to be successful due to a lack of information or knowledge. The concept of randomness and uncertainty is also reflected in the idiom, as taking a shot in the dark implies a haphazard or careless approach. Overall, the origin of the idiom "shot in the dark" relates to the idea of uncertainty and lack of hope in the success of a particular action.