shoot the moon
The phrase "shoot the moon" has origins in card games but has expanded to describe ambitious efforts and certain strategic game mechanics.
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Definition
C1Card Games
(technical)In the card game Hearts, to take all the point-scoring cards in a round, achieving a unique high score.
Example
- She managed to shoot the moon, taking all the hearts and the queen of spades.
B2General
(figurative)To attempt something extremely ambitious, often with the potential for great success.
Example
- Starting his own company was his way of shooting the moon.
C1Slang
(informal)To leave without paying rent.
Example
- The tenant shot the moon and disappeared overnight.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "shoot the moon":
moon shotshoot outshoot a birdshooting starshoot throughfull moonto the moonblue moonshoot backshoot offshoot from the hipshot out