Stab in the dark
Meaning
To make a wild guess or an attempt without any real information or knowledge, hoping by chance to be correct or successful.
Origin
The phrase "stab in the dark" evokes a visceral, almost primal image: someone striking out blindly with a weapon in complete darkness, hoping to hit a target they cannot see. This potent visual encapsulates the very essence of acting without knowledge or precision, relying purely on sheer chance. While the literal act is quite violent, the phrase itself emerged in the mid-19th century as a powerful metaphor. It wasn't about actual knives or shadows, but about the intellectual equivalent—making a guess, an attempt, or a decision when confronted with total uncertainty, much like fumbling for a light switch in a strange, pitch-black room. The underlying desperation and lack of information are palpable, making any success feel like pure luck.
Examples
- Without any solid leads, the detective's initial theory about the culprit was nothing more than a stab in the dark.
- I didn't study for the pop quiz, so I just took a stab in the dark for most of the answers.