shoot for
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (transitive, phrasal verb): 1. To aim for or strive to achieve a specific, often ambitious, goal or target. It implies setting one's sights on a particular objective and making an effort to attain it.
Usage
This phrasal verb is used to express the act of targeting a specific achievement. It is often followed by the goal itself. * Structure: shoot for + [goal/target/objective] * Tone: It is informal and suggests ambition, aspiration, or a challenging aim.
Examples
- Basic Usage:
- Don't just aim to pass; you should shoot for an A+ in that class.
- The company is shooting for a 20% increase in sales this quarter.
- We're shooting for a finish time of under three hours.
Advanced Usage
- "to shoot for the stars": This is a common idiomatic extension meaning to set extremely high or ambitious goals.
- My mentor always told me to shoot for the stars, so I applied to the top university.
Variants and Related Words
- Aim for (phrasal verb): A more neutral synonym for "shoot for."
- We are aiming for completion by Friday.
- Strive for (verb phrase): Emphasizes continuous and great effort toward a goal.
- The team strives for excellence in every project.
- Target (verb): To establish as a goal or objective.
- The campaign targets young adults.
Synonyms
- Aspire to
- Go for
- Set one's sights on
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Shoot down (phrasal verb): To criticize or reject an idea or proposal, often harshly.
- He shot down my suggestion immediately.
- Shoot up (phrasal verb): To increase or rise very quickly.
- Prices have shot up in the last month.
Related Idioms
- Set the bar high: To establish a high standard or goal.
- By winning the championship, they have set the bar high for next season.
Verb
- have an ambitious plan or a lofty goal