A Hail Mary – Idiom Meaning, Origin, Examples & IELTS Usage

When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, using idiomatic expressions naturally and correctly can boost your score, especially under the Lexical Resource criterion. Today’s idiom, “A Hail Mary,” is a useful phrase when talking about last-minute attempts, desperate actions, or low-chance solutions.

Meaning of 'A Hail Mary'

Definition: A plan or project with a very low chance of success.

Origin of the Idiom 'A Hail Mary'

The expression originates from American football, wherein it means “a long, typically unsuccessful pass made in a desperate attempt to score late in the game”. The phrase became widespread after a December 28, 1975, National Football League playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings, when Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach said about his game-winning touchdown pass to wide receiver Drew Pearson, “I closed my eyes and said a Hail Mary*.”

*Note: Taken literally, a Hail Mary is a prayer to the Virgin Mary used chiefly by Roman Catholics, beginning with part of Luke 1:28.

Usage of 'A Hail Mary' in Context

Here are some example sentences showing how the idiom is used in the IELTS Speaking: 

• Maybe you could try using section 125. It’s a hail mary, but it might work in winning the case.
• We need to perform a heart transplant. It’s a hail mary, but it might work in saving her life.
• You should leave right now. It’s a hail mary, but you might catch her and tell her your feelings before she boards the plane.
• It was that hail mary pass in the ninetieth minute which helped Davidson score that goal and win the game for the home team.
• Try rebooting the entire system. It’s a hail mary, but it might work.

When to Use the Idiom 'A Hail Mary'

You can use “a hail mary” in IELTS Speaking Part 1 or IELTS Speaking Part 2 or IELTS Speaking Part 3, when you’re:

• Talking about risky decisions or last-minute actions.
• Describing desperate situations where success is unlikely.
• Explaining personal experiences where you took a bold step.

Idiom Scenarios

Scenario 1:

• John: Did you manage to pass the exam?
• Emma: Honestly, I just guessed the last five answers. It was a hail mary, but it worked!

Scenario 2:

• Mark: How did your team win the match?
• Sophie: Our striker scored with a hail mary shot in the last minute.

Sample Answer Using the Idiom 'A Hail Mary'

IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Describe a time when you took a risk.

Sample Answer:
One risky situation I faced was during my final year at school. I hadn’t prepared enough for a debate competition, so I decided to improvise my speech. It was a real hail mary because I wasn’t confident at all, but surprisingly, the judges appreciated my confidence and creativity. That experience taught me that sometimes desperate attempts can lead to unexpected success.

IELTS Vocabulary Tip for 'A Hail Mary'

Using idioms like “a hail mary” in IELTS Speaking shows flexibility and advanced vocabulary use. It’s particularly effective when discussing risk-taking, challenges, or problem-solving.

Exercise: 'A Hail Mary'

Multiple-Choice Question
Q1: What does “a hail mary” mean in this sentence?
“He applied for the scholarship as a hail mary, even though his grades weren’t strong.”

a) A certain success
b) A risky last attempt
c) A religious ceremony
d) A formal application

Correct Answer: b) A risky last attempt

Fill-in-the-Blank
Q2: “Restarting the server was a __________, but it solved the problem.”

a) Hail mary
b) Silver lining
c) Break the ice
d) Blessing in disguise

Correct Answer: a) Hail mary

To summarize, “a hail mary” is a versatile idiom that captures the idea of a desperate but bold attempt. Using it in IELTS Speaking helps you sound natural, especially when describing challenges, risks, or unexpected solutions.  If you're aiming for top scores, follow the IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+ to further enhance your vocabulary and overall test performance.

Also Check: 

• 21+ Tips On How to Improve Your IELTS Writing Band Score
• IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors
• 10 Useful IELTS Speaking Tips to Impress the Examiner
• Useful Idioms for IELTS Speaking to Score Band 8.0+