🗓️ Idiom: Shoot for the Moon (verb)
💬 Meaning
- To aim for something very ambitious or difficult to achieve.
- To set high goals, even if success is not guaranteed.
🧠 Example Sentences
- Don’t be afraid to shoot for the moon — apply for that leadership role even if it feels out of reach.
- Our CEO always tells new employees to shoot for the moon when setting their career goals.
- If you shoot for the moon and miss, you’ll still land among the stars.
🏛️ Origin
The idiom comes from the literal image of aiming for the moon — something that once seemed impossible. It became popular in the mid-20th century, especially during the space race of the 1960s, when the moon represented the ultimate challenge. Over time, “shoot for the moon” came to mean striving for extraordinary success in any field, including business and career development.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
Even if your idea seems risky, it’s good to _______ and try something bold.
Answer
shoot for the moon
2. Multiple choice:
What does “shoot for the moon” mean?
a) To try something small and easy
b) To aim for something ambitious
c) To relax and avoid challenges
Answer
b) To aim for something ambitious
3. Change the sentence using “shoot for the moon”:
“She decided to apply for the top management position even though it was a long shot.”
Answer
She decided to shoot for the moon and apply for the top management position.
ℹ️ Other Useful Pages
📚 Learning Resources
👉 Career Development Idioms
👉 Business English Idioms List
👥 Support Spaces
👉 Student Space
👉 Tutor Toolkit
⭐️ Extras
📫 Get a Daily Idiom
🚀 Build a Business with AI