a Hail Mary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a Hail Mary" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a last-ditch effort or a desperate attempt to achieve something, often in a challenging situation. Example: "With only seconds left on the clock, the quarterback threw a Hail Mary pass in hopes of winning the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Winning with a Hail Mary.

The Guardian - Sport

Dunstan Prial calls it a "Hail Mary" plan.

The New York Times

A third prayer was said, this one a Hail Mary.

The New York Times

It's a Hail Mary play, some analysts say.

Harvard University

Is this a Hail Mary, or does Whitehouse have something?

The Washington Post

I wouldn't be surprised to see Northwestern win this on a Hail Mary.

The New York Times

And it wasn't a Hail Mary touchdown, you know what I mean?

The New York Times

Varnedoe explains why the last play was not a Hail Mary.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Call it a Hail-Mary-moon.

The New York Times

And then there are times when a Hail-Mary-moon is intercepted.

The New York Times

Yet the withdrawal of its F.C.C. application signals a hail-Mary legal strategy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a Hail Mary" when you want to convey the sense of a last, desperate attempt, especially one with a low probability of success. It adds color and emotional weight to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a Hail Mary" when a situation requires a calculated risk or strategic planning. This phrase should be reserved for situations where all other options have been exhausted and the outcome is uncertain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a Hail Mary" functions as an idiomatic noun phrase, often acting as a metaphor for a desperate, last-chance attempt. Ludwig examples show it describing plans, plays, and actions undertaken when facing near-certain failure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

4%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a Hail Mary" is a widely recognized idiom that signifies a last-ditch, desperate attempt to achieve a goal, often when facing overwhelming odds. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically sound and prevalent across various sources, especially news and media. While the phrase is commonly understood, it may be more suitable for neutral to informal contexts. For formal or scientific writing, alternatives like "a last resort" or "a desperate attempt" might be more appropriate. Remember to reserve "a Hail Mary" for situations where other options are exhausted and the outcome is highly uncertain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a last-ditch effort

Focuses on the finality and desperation of the attempt.

a desperate measure

Highlights the high stakes and the potential for failure.

a long shot

Emphasizes the low probability of success.

a final gamble

Implies a significant risk with uncertain outcomes.

a prayer

Highlights the dependency on luck or divine intervention.

a wild card

Suggests an unpredictable element that could change the outcome.

an eleventh-hour attempt

Pinpoints the timing of the effort as very late or near the deadline.

a stab in the dark

Conveys a lack of information or certainty about the approach.

a shot in the dark

Conveys a lack of information or certainty about the approach.

a wing and a prayer

Highlights the minimal resources and high hopes involved.

FAQs

What does the idiom "a Hail Mary" mean?

The idiom "a Hail Mary" refers to a last-ditch effort with little chance of success, often used when facing a difficult or losing situation. It implies a desperate attempt to turn things around at the last moment.

Where does the expression "a Hail Mary" come from?

The term "a Hail Mary" originated in American football, describing a long, often inaccurate pass thrown in desperation at the end of a game, with the hope that a receiver will catch it for a touchdown. The name is thought to be inspired by the Catholic prayer, suggesting a reliance on luck or divine intervention.

What are some alternatives to "a Hail Mary"?

You can use alternatives like "a last-ditch effort", "a desperate measure", or "a long shot" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the term "a Hail Mary" in formal writing?

While the term "a Hail Mary" is widely understood, it might be considered informal for some formal writing contexts. In such cases, using a more neutral phrase like "a last resort" or "a desperate attempt" may be more appropriate.