ENGLISH
REFERENCE

take a shot in the dark

idiom
Meaning

To try or guess at something without having any knowledge about the subject.


Examples
SIMPLE

I do not know the answer, so I will take a shot in the dark.

CONTEXTUAL

Since I had no idea which wire to cut, I took a shot in the dark and hoped for the best.

COMPLEX

Lacking any concrete evidence to support his theory, the detective took a shot in the dark, hoping the suspect would accidentally reveal the truth during the interrogation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  2. 02

    big shot

    A person with a reputation of importance or power.

  3. 03

    chip shot

    Something that is easy to do or to achieve.

  4. 04

    cross to take up

    Alternative form of cross to bear.

  5. 05

    dark cloud

    A situation or future event that causes worry, problems or unhappiness, likened to such a cloud overhead in the sky.

  6. 06

    dark horse

    Someone who possesses talents or favorable characteristics that are not known or expected by others.

  7. 07

    forget to take one's medication this morning

    To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.

  8. 08

    get taken in

    To be fooled; to fall for.

Last updated April 17, 2026