shotgun approach

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

a broad, unfocused strategy that tries many things at once, hoping one will work

Why this phrase?

From a shotgun's spray of pellets versus a rifle's single aimed bullet.

Example

“We took a shotgun approach to ads; next quarter we'll focus on the two that converted.”

Dictionary details

Component words

shotgun

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

stay the course Neutral · CEFR B1

to continue with a plan despite difficulties or doubt

test the waters Neutral · CEFR B1

to try something cautiously before committing fully to it

the name of the game Informal · CEFR B1

the central, most important aspect of a situation

word of mouth Neutral · CEFR B1

recommendations spread informally from person to person

cash cow Neutral · CEFR B2

a product or business that generates steady, reliable profit with little further investment

double down Neutral · CEFR B2

to increase your commitment to a position or strategy, especially after mixed results

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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