What does “Hail Mary pass” mean?
"A Hail Mary pass" means a desperate or risky action taken as a last resort.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
With only seconds left on the clock, the quarterback threw a Hail Mary pass in hopes of winning the game.
With only seconds left on the clock, the quarterback threw a Hail Mary pass in hopes of winning the game.
Example
The company's financial situation was dire, so they decided to make a Hail Mary pass and invest all their remaining funds in a risky venture.
The company's financial situation was dire, so they decided to make a Hail Mary pass and invest all their remaining funds in a risky venture.
Example
After trying every possible solution, they decided to attempt a Hail Mary pass and ask for a loan from a wealthy investor
After trying every possible solution, they decided to attempt a Hail Mary pass and ask for a loan from a wealthy investor
Is “Hail Mary pass” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Hail Mary pass” 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 pass” effectively in context?
You can use "Hail Mary pass" to describe a desperate or risky action taken as a last resort. It emphasizes the idea of making a final attempt, even if the chances of success are slim. For example, if someone is facing a financial crisis and decides to invest their remaining funds in a high-risk venture, you might say, 'They're making a Hail Mary pass with their money.'
- 1Sports
With only seconds left on the clock, the team decided to make a Hail Mary pass in hopes of winning the game.
With only seconds left on the clock, the team decided to make a Hail Mary pass in hopes of winning the game.
- 2Business
The company's financial situation was dire, so they decided to make a Hail Mary pass and invest all their remaining funds in a risky venture.
The company's financial situation was dire, so they decided to make a Hail Mary pass and invest all their remaining funds in a risky venture.
- 3Problem-solving
After trying every possible solution, they decided to attempt a Hail Mary pass and ask for a loan from a wealthy investor.
After trying every possible solution, they decided to attempt a Hail Mary pass and ask for a loan from a wealthy investor.
Similar phrases to “Hail Mary pass”:
Last-ditch effort
A final attempt made when all else has failed
Example
They made a last-ditch effort to save the failing project.
They made a last-ditch effort to save the failing project.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Hail Mary pass” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Hail Mary pass" can be traced back to American football. It is named after a long, high-arching pass that is thrown in desperation and with little chance of success. The term was first used in the 1930s and is derived from the Hail Mary prayer in Catholicism, which is a plea for divine intervention in times of great need.
Is “Hail Mary pass” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Hail Mary pass" is a well-known idiom, especially in sports and business contexts. It is commonly used to describe a desperate or risky action taken as a last resort.
What tone does “Hail Mary pass” have?
"Hail Mary pass" conveys a tone of desperation and hope. It is often used to describe a situation where someone is taking a bold and risky action, hoping for a miraculous outcome.
Can “Hail Mary pass” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Hail Mary pass" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or presentations.
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, 'They decided to make a Hail Mary pass and invest all their remaining funds.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time for a "Hail Mary pass"!' to imply taking a desperate and risky action.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- desperate measure
- final gamble
- risky move
- last-resort action
- bold attempt
Antonyms
- safe bet
- cautious approach
- conservative strategy
- prudent decision
- calculated move
