# shot in the dark

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shot-in-the-dark
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A guess, attempt, or choice made with little or no evidence or knowledge.

## Examples

- I do not know the answer, so it is just a shot in the dark.
- I had never visited the city before, so picking a restaurant was just a shot in the dark.
- Without any data to support his hypothesis, the scientist admitted his proposal was merely a shot in the dark.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.