A shot in the dark is a guess at the answer to a question when you do not feel that you know the facts. Example: "How did you know I was from America?" Reply: "Just a shot in the dark."

To take a shot is to guess at the answer. You are in the dark when you are not clear about the facts. You take a shot in the dark when you try to guess the answer to a question but you are not sure of the facts. Example: "That was a tough question. How did you get it right?" Reply: "I just took a shot in the dark."

When people do not know how to answer a question, you can encourage them to guess anyway, taking a shot in the dark. Example: "How old do you think I am?" Reply: "I have no idea." Answer: "Really, come on. Take a shot in the dark."