Not by a long shot definitions
| Word backwards | ton yb a gnol tohs |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | phrasal adverb |
| Syllabic division | not by a long shot Syllable separation: not / by / a / long / shot |
| Plural | The plural of the phrase "not by a long shot" remains the same - "not by a long shot." |
| Total letters | 14 |
| Vogais (2) | o,a |
| Consonants (8) | n,t,b,y,l,g,s,h |
Not By a Long Shot
When someone says "not by a long shot," they are expressing doubt about something happening or being true. This phrase is commonly used to convey skepticism or disbelief. It essentially means that something is unlikely to occur or is far from being the truth.
Origins of the Phrase
The phrase "not by a long shot" has its origins in the world of shooting or marksmanship. In this context, a shot refers to a bullet or projectile fired from a gun. When a marksman takes aim at a target, there is a possibility of missing the mark by a significant distance, hence the expression "not by a long shot." This idiom has since been adapted to convey a similar sense of missing the mark or falling short in a non-literal sense.
Usage in Everyday Language
In everyday language, "not by a long shot" is used to indicate a lack of certainty or confidence in the possibility of something happening. It is often employed to express skepticism, disbelief, or a strong sense of improbability. For example, if someone asks if it will rain tomorrow and you respond with "not by a long shot," you are essentially saying that it is highly unlikely to rain.
While the origins of this phrase lie in the world of marksmanship, its usage has evolved to encompass a broader range of scenarios where doubt or skepticism is present. Whether used casually in conversation or in more formal settings, "not by a long shot" continues to be a popular expression for expressing a lack of confidence in a particular outcome.
Not by a long shot Examples
- I am not by a long shot the best dancer in the group.
- She is not by a long shot ready for the exam next week.
- They are not by a long shot finished with the project yet.
- He is not by a long shot the tallest person in the room.
- The team is not by a long shot winning the game at this point.
- That restaurant is not by a long shot the best in town.
- The movie is not by a long shot the highest-grossing film of the year.
- The new store is not by a long shot as popular as the old one.
- The solution is not by a long shot the most effective one available.
- The book is not by a long shot the longest one I've ever read.