It means to aim high or bigger. When we say “shoot for the stars,” we’re typically encouraging someone to aim high and not be content with anything less.
The phrase is often used as encouragement to pursue one’s dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. Shooting for the stars means believing in yourself and your abilities, and going after what you want with all your might.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who shoots for the stars will achieve their goals, but those who don’t try at all will never know what could have been. So don’t be afraid to aim high and go after your dreams; you may just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
Use in Example Sentences
Abel: I plan on working at Microsoft next year.
Lucy: Wow! Shoot for the stars!
Emeli: I plan on playing international next year.
Rony: Great! Shoot for the stars!
Is shooting for the stars an idiom?
When someone says they’re “shooting for the stars,” they may not realize it, but they’re using an idiom. This phrase means to aim high and achieve something great. While the origins of this phrase are unknown, it’s been around for centuries.
This idiom was first mentioned in a poem by John Donne in 1611. The phrase has been popularized in more recent years by songs like Katy Perry’s “Firework.”
Despite its popularity, not everyone agrees on what exactly “shooting for the stars” means. Some people believe that it means you should always set your sights high and never give up on your dreams. Others think that it means taking risks and doing whatever it takes to reach your goals.