Idiom – A Hail Mary

A Hail Mary – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

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

Origin:

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.

Examples:

1. Maybe you could try using section 125. It’s a hail mary, but it might work in winning the case.
2. We need to perform a heart transplant. It’s a hail mary, but it might work in saving her life.
3. 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.
4. It was that hail mary pass in the ninetieth minute which helped Davidson score that goal and win the game for the home team.
5. Try rebooting the entire system. It’s a hail mary, but it might work.