shoot one's shot
Attempt romantic approach
To shoot one's shot is to make an attempt at something despite uncertain odds—especially approaching someone romantically or pursuing a competitive opportunity.
The phrase frames bold action as worth the risk of rejection or failure: I know she's out of my league, but I'm going to shoot my shot.
Often used as encouragement: Just shoot your shot.
- flirtationPlayful romantic attention
- make a moveInitiate an action
- tryMake an effort
- self-assuranceConfidence in one's abilities
- askSeek an answer
boldness · go for it · initiative · courtship · ask out · risk · assertiveness · confession · attraction · gamble · cold approach · miss · swing and miss · aim · proposal · charisma · courage · rejection
shoot one's shotplay it safe
Avoid unnecessary chances
hold back · stay in one's lane · chicken out · back down · do nothing
shoot one's shotbite one's tongue
Refrain from speaking
suffer in silence · keep a low profile · shrink back · hold one's peace · swallow one's pride
shoot one's shotwait and see
Defer until clarity comes
sit on one's hands · bide one's time · hang back · take a back seat · go with the flow
shoot, shot, shoots, shooting, shooter, shooters, ones, oneself