shoot the moon

Verb

shoot the moon (third-person singular simple present shoots the moon, present participle shooting the moon, simple past and past participle shot the moon)

1. To hit the moon, with a rocket or by other means. quotations ▼
2. (figurative, by extension) To attain great heights, a high value, or a numerically high measurement. quotations ▼
3. (card games) To achieve the lowest or highest score possible, such that the player is usually rewarded with bonus points.In our last hand of pinochle, Leon and Janet shot the moon, taking all 50 tricks.When Randy took the queen of spades on the last trick in our game of hearts, he *shot the moon.*
4. (slang) To abscond without paying one's rent. quotations ▼

Related terms

• moon shot