1
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Phrase(s): shoot for something
1. Lit. to aim for or at something. (Usually in reference to basketball.) • The center shot for the basket just before the end of the game. • Wally shot for the basket but missed. 2. Fig. to aim for something; to set something as one’s goal. • You have to shoot for the very best. Don’t be satisfied with less. • She shot for the highest attainable goal.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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Strive or aim for, as in We're shooting for higher production by spring. This term, alluding to aiming at something with a weapon, has largely replaced the earlier shoot at, which dates from the 1400s.
American Heritage Idioms