What does “Hail Mary (n. or adj.)” mean?
"Hail Mary" (n. or adj.) means a desperate or last-ditch effort or action, often made in a difficult or hopeless situation. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is risky, daring, or unlikely to succeed, often used to describe a strategy or plan.
What context can I use the in?
Example
With only seconds left on the clock, the quarterback threw a Hail Mary pass in a desperate attempt to win the game.
Example
She decided to take a Hail Mary approach and apply for a job she was underqualified for.
Example
The team's Hail Mary play was a risky move, but it paid off with a surprising victory
Is “Hail Mary (n. or adj.)” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Hail Mary (n. or adj.)” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Hail Mary (n. or adj.)” effectively in context?
You can use "Hail Mary" to describe a desperate or last-ditch effort or action made in a difficult or hopeless situation. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something risky, daring, or unlikely to succeed. Here are three distinct situations where you can effectively use the phrase:
- 1Sports
With only seconds left on the clock, the quarterback threw a Hail Mary pass in a desperate attempt to win the game.
- 2Job Search
She decided to take a Hail Mary approach and apply for a job she was underqualified for.
- 3Strategy
The team's Hail Mary play was a risky move, but it paid off with a surprising victory.
Similar phrases to “Hail Mary (n. or adj.)”:
Last-ditch effort
A final attempt made in a desperate situation
Example
They made a last-ditch effort to save the failing project.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Hail Mary (n. or adj.)” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Hail Mary" can be traced back to American football. It refers to a long, high pass thrown by a quarterback in a desperate attempt to score points, typically when time is running out and the team is losing. The term was popularized in the 1975 NFL playoffs when Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach used it to describe his game-winning touchdown pass. The phrase itself is derived from the Catholic prayer 'Hail Mary,' which is often recited in times of need or desperation.
Is “Hail Mary (n. or adj.)” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Hail Mary" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation, especially in sports-related discussions. It is often used to describe dramatic or desperate actions taken in various contexts.
What tone does “Hail Mary (n. or adj.)” have?
"Hail Mary" conveys a tone of urgency, risk, and hopefulness. It is often used to emphasize the high stakes and the need for a bold or unconventional approach.
Can “Hail Mary (n. or adj.)” be used in informal and formal settings?
While "Hail Mary" is more commonly used in informal conversations, it can also be used in formal settings, particularly in sports-related discussions or when describing risky strategies. However, it is important to consider the appropriateness of the phrase in different contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He decided to throw a "Hail Mary" pass in the final seconds of the game.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time for a "Hail Mary"!' to imply the need for a desperate or risky action.
