American English Podcast 202 - Expression: A Shot in the Dark
Dec 11, 2025
Explore the interesting idiom "a shot in the dark," which highlights the thrill of guessing with little information. Discover its origins dating back to 1895 and enjoy amusing examples like kids guessing ages, ordering pintxos in Spain, and attempting a French toast recipe without instructions. You'll also enjoy a clever wordplay joke about drinks 'on the house' and a pronunciation exercise to master flap Ts. Plus, there's a challenge to reflect on your own daring attempts!
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Meaning And Origin Of The Phrase
- A "shot in the dark" means making an attempt with little or no information.
- The phrase comes from firing when you can't see the target and implies reliance on luck.
Phrase Has Longstanding Usage
- The idiom has been used in English since at least 1895.
- Its longevity shows it's a common, everyday way to describe guessing or risky attempts.
Kids' Wild Guesses About Age
- Shauna describes her daughters guessing an aunt's age and answering "100."
- She uses this to show kids often make total shots in the dark.