Definition & Meaning of "Give a shot"

give sth a shot

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɐ ʃˈɒt/

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ ɐ ʃˈɑːt/

to give sth a shot

PHRASE

to attempt to do something, particularly something that one has not tried to do before

to [give] {sth} a shot definition and meaning

give sb/sth one's best shot

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈaʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ wˈɒnz bˈɛst ʃˈɒt/

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ wˈʌnz bˈɛst ʃˈɑːt/

to give sb/sth one's best shot

PHRASE

to make effort to do something in the best possible way

to [give] {sb/sth} {one's} best shot definition and meaning

give sb a shot

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː ɐ ʃˈɒt/

/ɡˈɪv ˌɛsbˈiː ɐ ʃˈɑːt/

to give sb a shot

PHRASE

to provide an opportunity for someone to succeed at or achieve something

to [give] {sb} a shot definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "give someone a shot" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "give someone a shot" is rooted in the concept of providing someone with a chance or opportunity to prove their abilities. The phrase draws upon the imagery of administering a medical injection or "shot" as a metaphorical representation of granting someone an opportunity The expression is used to signify the act of offering someone a fair chance, often in situations where they may not have been initially considered or expected to succeed.