shot n B.J. WHITING, Early American Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases (Cambridge, Mass., 1977) S184 To have a shot in the locker (1789-1827), and cp SMYTH shot-locker 'a compartment built up in the hold to contain the shot,' for second phrase.
Phr a shot of ducks: group of many ducks which can be brought down with a single shot.
1966 SCAMMELL 60 'Shot of ducks coming,' he whispered, his eyes popping. 'About 50 I think, and it looks like they're going to be in shot. Get a cap on the nipple!' 1987 POOLE 42 I passed the coves where I had many a shot of ducks during the winter time. ibid 73 I made one good shot of ducks that fall: on Christmas Day I killed 42 ducks one shot.
have a shot in the locker: to have one last chance.
1983 FROUDE 169 As the old saying goes never despair while there is A Shot in the locker.
