WordGarden.iocrapshoot
Pronunciation
UK
- /krˈæpʃuːt/
US
- /ˈkræpˌʃut/
Meanings
Noun
a situation whose result is very uncertain or left to chance
a game or session of craps played with dice for stakes
Beyond the definition
Imagine throwing dice—you never really know what you'll get, do you? That's the feeling behind "crapshoot." It describes a situation where the outcome is highly unpredictable and relies heavily on chance. Originally referring to the dice game "craps," the term now extends to anything with a high degree of uncertainty. Planning a surprise party for someone notoriously difficult to please? That's a crapshoot! Investing in a brand-new tech startup? Definitely a crapshoot. It implies things could go very well... or very badly.
The word "crapshoot" comes directly from the casino game craps, where players bet on the outcome of rolled dice. In its original context, it referred specifically to the act of playing the game—a thrilling but unpredictable gamble. Over time, however, "crapshoot" evolved beyond the casino floor and into everyday language.
Today, we use "crapshoot" to describe any situation where success is far from guaranteed and depends largely on luck or random factors. It's not just about risk; it implies a high degree of uncertainty and a distinct lack of control over the final result. Think of trying to predict the weather—that's often a crapshoot! Or consider launching a new product without doing any market research; you're essentially hoping for the best in a crapshoot scenario.
The term carries a sense of both excitement and apprehension. It acknowledges the possibility of success but emphasizes the significant chance of failure. It's often used when discussing ventures with high stakes and unpredictable results, like political campaigns ("This election is going to be a real crapshoot!") or complex logistics ("Trying to get twenty people to agree on a single dinner spot was a total crapshoot").
Ultimately, if a situation feels like a wild gamble where the odds are anyone's guess, you're likely dealing with a crapshoot.
Examples
- 1
Used purchase
Buying a used car without having it checked first is a crapshoot.
- 2
Business prediction
At this stage, predicting which new app will succeed is a crapshoot.
- 3
Travel uncertainty
With the weather changing so fast, it's a crapshoot whether the flight leaves on time.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- wild card
- long shot
- shot in the dark
Contrast
- sure thing
- predictability
Used with (collocations)
- a complete crapshoot
- something is a crapshoot
- turn into a crapshoot
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- crapshootnoun