What does “On a Wing and a Prayer” mean?
"On a Wing and a Prayer" means doing something with very little hope or chance of success.
What context can I use the in?
Example
They entered the competition on a wing and a prayer, hoping to make it to the finals.
Example
The team was trailing behind, but they continued to play on a wing and a prayer.
Example
He applied for the job on a wing and a prayer, not expecting to get an interview
Is “On a Wing and a Prayer” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“On a Wing and a Prayer” 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 “On a Wing and a Prayer” effectively in context?
You can use "On a Wing and a Prayer" to describe a situation where someone is doing something with very little hope or chance of success. It emphasizes the idea of relying on luck or sheer determination to overcome obstacles. For example, if a friend is taking a difficult exam without much preparation, you might say, 'Good luck! You're going into that test on a wing and a prayer.'
- 1Sports
Despite being the underdogs, the team played the championship game on a wing and a prayer, hoping for a miracle win.
- 2Job Search
With limited qualifications, she applied for the dream job on a wing and a prayer, hoping for a lucky break.
- 3Academic Challenges
He had missed several classes and was studying last-minute on a wing and a prayer, hoping to pass the exam.
Similar phrases to “On a Wing and a Prayer”:
Hail Mary
A desperate or last-ditch effort to achieve success
Example
He threw a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds of the game.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “On a Wing and a Prayer” come from?
The origin of the phrase "On a Wing and a Prayer" is believed to come from World War II. It refers to the precarious situation of a damaged aircraft that is barely able to fly and relies solely on luck or divine intervention to make it safely back to base.
Is “On a Wing and a Prayer” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "On a Wing and a Prayer" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the idea of taking a risk or facing a challenge with very little hope or chance of success.
What tone does “On a Wing and a Prayer” have?
"On a Wing and a Prayer" conveys a tone of uncertainty and desperation. It's often used to describe situations where someone is relying on luck or sheer determination to overcome obstacles.
Can “On a Wing and a Prayer” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "On a Wing and a Prayer" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of facing challenges with little hope or chance of success. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They entered the competition on a wing and a prayer, hoping for a miracle.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Let's do it on a wing and a prayer!' to imply taking a risk or facing a challenge.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- taking a chance
- relying on luck
- hoping for the best
- gambling on
- risking it all
Antonyms
- playing it safe
- being cautious
- having a plan b
- counting on certainty
- ensuring success
