# take a shot in the dark

idiom

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

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- I do not know the answer, so I will take a shot in the dark.
- Since I had no idea which wire to cut, I took a shot in the dark and hoped for the best.
- 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.

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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.