What does “Wing and a prayer” mean?
"Wing and a prayer" means to do something with very little hope or chance of success.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's attempting to fix the car with just a wing and a prayer.
Example
They're going into the competition with only a wing and a prayer.
Example
She's applying for the job with just a wing and a prayer
Is “Wing and a prayer” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“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 “Wing and a prayer” effectively in context?
You can use "Wing and a Prayer" to describe a situation where someone is attempting to do something with very little hope or chance of success. For example, if a friend is trying to fix a broken car with limited tools and knowledge, you might say, 'He's attempting to fix the car with just a wing and a prayer.'
- 1Repairing
She's trying to fix the leaky faucet with just a wing and a prayer.
- 2Competition
They're going into the competition with only a wing and a prayer.
- 3Job Application
He's applying for the job with just a wing and a prayer.
Similar phrases to “Wing and a prayer”:
Hail Mary
A desperate or last-ditch effort
Example
He made a Hail Mary attempt to save the game.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Wing and a prayer” come from?
The origin of the phrase "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 stay in the air, relying solely on its remaining wing and the prayers of the crew to make it back safely.
Is “Wing and a prayer” common in everyday conversation?
"Wing and a Prayer" is not as commonly used as some other expressions, but it is still recognizable and understood by many English speakers. It may be more commonly used in specific contexts, such as discussing challenging situations or describing someone's determination despite the odds.
What tone does “Wing and a prayer” have?
"Wing and a Prayer" conveys a tone of uncertainty and desperation. It implies that the situation is difficult and the chances of success are slim. It can also convey a sense of determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
Can “Wing and a prayer” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Wing and a Prayer" is generally considered an informal expression. It is more likely to be used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal settings to add emphasis or create a vivid image.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
While "Wing and a Prayer" is commonly used as part of a sentence, it can also be used alone to convey its meaning. For example, someone might say, 'We're going into this project with just a wing and a prayer.' In this case, the phrase is understood to mean that they have very little hope or chance of success.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- slim chance
- long shot
- faint hope
- barely possible
- desperate attempt
Antonyms
- high probability
- good chance
- promising opportunity
- assured success
