Translation guide
A 'long shot' refers to something with a low chance of success, but worth trying. In Japanese, this idea is expressed through various phrases and idioms that convey unlikelihood, risk, or a gamble.
Describing an attempt or plan that has a very low probability of success, but is still worth trying.
A straightforward way to say 'the possibility is low'. Can be used in many contexts.
It's a long shot, but it's worth a try.
Literally 'thin hope'. A common, slightly casual way to say something is a long shot.
彼が来るのは望み薄だね。
It's a long shot that he'll come.
Means 'unreliable' or 'not to be counted on'. Can be used when a plan or person is a long shot.
彼の助けは当てにならない。
His help is a long shot.
A softer, indirect way to say something is a long shot, meaning 'it might be difficult'.
明日までに終わらせるのは難しいかもしれない。
Finishing by tomorrow is a long shot.
Emphasizing the risk or speculative nature of an attempt, like a bet with low odds.
Literally 'a bet' or 'gamble'. Often used in phrases like '大きな賭け' (big gamble) to convey a long shot.
それは大きな賭けだ。
That's a long shot.
An idiom meaning 'sink or swim', 'all or nothing'. Used when taking a chance on something unlikely.
A proverb meaning 'you never know until you try', often used when the outcome is uncertain, like a long shot.
当たるも八卦当たらぬも八卦だ。応募してみよう。
It's a long shot, but you never know. Let's apply.
Used in contexts like horse racing or sports betting to describe a competitor with very low odds of winning.
In betting contexts, '大穴' refers to a dark horse or a long shot with very low odds. Commonly used in horse racing.
あの馬は大穴だ。
That horse is a long shot.
Means 'little chance of winning'. Can be used in any competitive situation.
彼のチームは勝ち目が薄い。
His team is a long shot to win.
Do not translate 'long shot' literally as '長い射撃' or similar. It will not be understood. Use the phrases above depending on context.
一か八かやってみよう。
Let's give it a shot, even though it's a long shot.