A shot at Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈʃɑt/ /ˈæt

uh-SHAHT-at

UK

æɪ/ /ʃˈɒt/ /ˈæt

uh-SHOT-at

Definition

An informal way to say 'an attempt at' or 'a chance to try or achieve something.' It means trying to do something, even if success is not certain.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, commonly used in speech. Typical with 'give' (give it a shot), or 'have' (have a shot at). Not literal—no connection to guns or photos. Often implies you might not succeed, but it's worth trying.

• Spanish: una oportunidad de - un intento de
• Portuguese (BR): uma chance de - uma tentativa de
• Portuguese (PT): uma oportunidade de - uma tentativa de
• Chinese (Simplified): 一次机会 - 一试
• Chinese (Traditional): 一次機會 - 一試
• Hindi: एक मौका
• Arabic: فرصة لـ - محاولة لـ
• Bengali: চেষ্টা - প্রয়াস
• Russian: попытка
• Japanese: 挑戦 - 試み
• Vietnamese: thử - cố gắng
• Korean: 도전 - 시도
• Turkish: deneme - şans
• Urdu: کوشش - کوشش کرنا
• Indonesian: coba - mencoba

Example Sentences

I'm going to give a shot at baking a cake.

basic

He took a shot at the job, but didn't get it.

basic

Let's all have a shot at solving the puzzle.

basic

If you don't take a shot at your dreams, you'll never know.

natural

I know it's difficult, but it's worth a shot at.

natural

She gave a shot at singing on stage, even though she was nervous.

natural