A shot/stab in the dark

idiom

An attempt to guess something, when you have no information or knowledge about it.

I didn't know the answer to the question in the quiz, so I just made a shot in the dark.
Visual representation of "a shot/stab in the dark" - An attempt to guess something, when you have no information or knowledge about it

Often appears as...

  • make a shot in the dark
  • take a stab in the dark

Usage tips

Idiomatic

idiom

An attempt to guess something, when you have no information or knowledge about it.

I didn't know the answer to the question in the quiz, so I just made a shot in the dark.
Visual representation of "a shot/stab in the dark" - An attempt to guess something, when you have no information or knowledge about it

Often appears as...

  • make a shot in the dark
  • take a stab in the dark

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a shot/stab in the dark"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Guesswork

Used when you rely on instinct without facts to support your choice.

Illustration for Guesswork
Without any clues, my answer was just a shot in the dark.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal

Common in casual conversation; may not be suitable for formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal
Picking a career can sometimes feel like a shot in the dark.
LampPro Tip 3/3

No Expectations

Implies you don't really expect to be correct due to the randomness of your attempt.

Illustration for No Expectations
I took a stab in the dark when choosing the name for our team.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Guesswork

Used when you rely on instinct without facts to support your choice.

Illustration for Guesswork
Without any clues, my answer was just a shot in the dark.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal

Common in casual conversation; may not be suitable for formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal
Picking a career can sometimes feel like a shot in the dark.
LampPro Tip 3/3

No Expectations

Implies you don't really expect to be correct due to the randomness of your attempt.

Illustration for No Expectations
I took a stab in the dark when choosing the name for our team.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Guesswork

Used when you rely on instinct without facts to support your choice.

Illustration for Guesswork
Without any clues, my answer was just a shot in the dark.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informal

Common in casual conversation; may not be suitable for formal writing or speeches.

Illustration for Informal
Picking a career can sometimes feel like a shot in the dark.
LampPro Tip 3/3

No Expectations

Implies you don't really expect to be correct due to the randomness of your attempt.

Illustration for No Expectations
I took a stab in the dark when choosing the name for our team.
Visual representation of the word "A shot/stab in the dark"

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