The idiom "it is worth a shot" means that something is worth trying, even if it has a low chance of success or is risky. It implies that the potential benefits outweigh the possible costs or consequences.
In short:
- It means that something is worth trying, even if it is unlikely or risky.
- It is often used to motivate someone or oneself to take a chance.
- It suggests that the benefits are greater than the costs or risks.
What Does "It Is Worth a Shot" Mean?
The idiom "it is worth a shot" is a common expression in English that means that something is worth trying, even if it has a low probability of success or involves some risk.
The idiom can be used in various situations, such as:
- When someone wants to justify their decision to do something difficult or dangerous.
- When someone wants to persuade another person to do something that might benefit them.
- When someone wants to acknowledge that they have nothing to lose by doing something.
Where Does "It Is Worth a Shot" Come From?
The origin of the idiom "it is worth a shot" is unclear, but it is likely related to the literal meaning of shooting something with a gun or other weapon. Shooting something can be risky, depending on the target. However, shooting something can also be rewarding, depending on the outcome, the purpose, and the intention. Therefore, shooting something can be seen as an action that involves both risk and reward, requiring skill and luck.
10 Examples of "It Is Worth a Shot" in Sentences
Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:
- Go big or go home! It is worth a shot to apply for that scholarship.
- Fret not. It is worth a shot to call her again. Maybe she will answer this time.
- I don't care if he doesn't like me. I will ask him out anyway. It's worth a shot.
- Quite frankly, I don't know if she will agree. But it is worth a shot to ask him.
- Real talk: He is unsure if the medicine will work, but trying it is worth a shot.
- Is everything okay? It is worth a shot to send him a message; maybe he will reply.
- She has never tried sushi before but thinks it is worth a shot. That's why she tried it.
- No guts, no glory. They have nothing to lose, so entering the contest is worth a shot.
- She is not good at math, but it is worth a shot to buckle down and study hard for the test.
- They have been looking for a new home for months, so checking that one is worth a shot.
Examples of "It Is Worth a Shot" in Pop Culture
Here are some examples of how the idiom has been used in pop culture:
- In the movie The Hunger Games (2012), Katniss Everdeen says to Peeta Mellark: "Maybe I can get some sponsors. It's worth a shot." She refers to the possibility of getting help from wealthy people watching the deadly competition.
- In the TV show Friends (1994-2004), Joey Tribbiani tells Chandler Bing: "Hey, you know what? Maybe we should get married. It's worth a shot." He is joking about the idea of getting married to avoid paying taxes.
- In the book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007), Harry Potter says to Hermione Granger: "I think we should vote on it. It's worth a shot." He suggests they try to break into Gringotts Bank to find one of the Horcruxes.
- In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017), Link can say to Purah: "It's worth a shot." He is responding to her offer to restore his lost memories using an ancient device.
Other/Different Ways to Say "It Is Worth a Shot"
Here are some synonyms for the idiom that can be used in different situations:
- It is worth risking it
- It is worth going for it
- It is worth giving it a go
- It is worth taking a chance
- It is worth trying your luck
- It is worth making an effort
- It is worth having a crack at it
- It is worth seeing what happens
- It is worth doing something about it
- It is worth putting yourself out there
10 Frequently Asked Questions About "It Is Worth a Shot"
Here are some frequently asked questions about the idiom:
- What does "it is worth a shot" mean?
The idiom "it is worth a shot" means that something is worth trying, even if it has a low chance of success or is risky. It implies that the potential benefits outweigh the possible costs or consequences.
- What is the origin of the phrase "it is worth a shot"?
The origin of the idiom "it is worth a shot" is unclear, but it is likely related to the literal meaning of shooting something with a gun or other weapon.
- What is the difference between "it is worth a shot" and "it is worthwhile"?
The difference between "it is worth a shot" and "it is worthwhile" is that the former implies that something has a low chance of success or involves some risk, while the latter implies that something has a high value or importance.
- How do you use "it is worth a shot" in a question?
To use "it is worth a shot" in a question, you can use it as an interrogative statement or an alternative suggestion.
- How do you use "it is worth a shot" in a negative sentence?
To use "it is worth a shot" in a negative sentence, you can use it with a negation word or an opposite expression.
- In other languages, what are some synonyms for "it is worth a shot"?
Spanish: Vale la pena intentarlo (It is worth trying it)
French: Ça vaut le coup d’essayer (It is worth the shot of trying)
German: Es ist einen Versuch wert (It is worth a try)
- What are some antonyms for "it is worth a shot"?
Some antonyms for " it is worth a shot" are "it is not worth it," "it is a waste of time," "it is hopeless," "it is pointless," and "it is useless."
- How do you use "it is worth a shot" with modal verbs?
To use "it is worth a shot" with modal verbs, you can either use it as the principal verb or as the complement of the modal verb.
- How do you use "it is worth a shot" with other idioms?
To use "it is worth a shot" with other idioms, you can combine it with a phrase with a similar or opposite meaning or use it as an example of an expression.
- How do you use "it is worth a shot" in casual or slang speech?
To use "it is worth a shot" in casual or slang speech, you can either shorten it or modify it with slang words or expressions, such as "it's worth it," "go for it," "YOLO," and "why not?"
Final Thoughts About "It Is Worth a Shot"
The idiom "it is worth a shot" is a practical expression to know and use in English, as it can help you express your willingness to try something new or different, even if it is unlikely or risky.
In summary:
- It means that something is worth trying, even if it has a low chance of success.
- It has some related expressions that have a similar meaning.
- It has some synonyms that can be used interchangeably.
- It has some antonyms that indicate the opposite meaning.
