give it a shot — to try something, especially when you are not confident about succeeding
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to try something, especially when you are not confident about succeeding
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡɪv ɪt ə ʃɑːt/
Example Sentences
- I know nothing about cooking, but I'll give making pasta a shot - how hard can it be?
- She decided to give learning Korean a shot after watching too many K-dramas.
- Why don't you give it a shot? The worst that can happen is failure.
give it a shot
VERB[/ɡɪv ɪt ə ʃɑːt/]
to try something, especially when you are not confident about succeeding
He decided to give it a shot and tried the trapeze for the first time.
Give it a shot with the hot pot!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'shot' originally referred to the act of firing a gun or projectile weapon. From the 19th century onward, it developed a figurative meaning of 'an attempt' or 'an opportunity,' drawing from the metaphor of aiming and firing at a target, similar to how one shoots an arrow toward a goal.
Breakdown
give (to provide) + it (that thing) + a (one) + shot (an attempt or try). The phrase literally means to give something one attempt, forming an idiom meaning to try something or give something a chance.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“I know nothing about cooking, but I'll give making pasta a shot - how hard can it be?”
“She decided to give learning Korean a shot after watching too many K-dramas.”
“Why don't you give it a shot? The worst that can happen is failure.”
“He gave stand-up comedy a shot and surprisingly didn't get booed off stage.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.