a smile and a prayer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a smile and a prayer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is expressing hope or positivity, often in challenging situations. Example: "In times of uncertainty, all we can do is face the day with a smile and a prayer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Disturbed from his own Ramadan slumbers, the man in charge rallied a smile and a prayer for better times as he opened up.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Try a smile and a wave.

WikiHow

Seek out a smile and a shape.

WikiHow

We giveaway food with a smile, a hug, a prayer and so much more.

Huffington Post

A smile and laugh.

Huffington Post

Add a smile and go!

WikiHow

It was a gift and a prayer".

The New York Times - Sports

"A Wing and a Prayer" [Feb.

The New York Times

Singing "Blue Moon" on Wednesday evening, Ms. Akers turned her face skyward, and wearing a slightly crazy smile, issued a prayer to the heavens ("You knew just what I was there for").

The New York Times - Arts

In a national television interview broadcast on Wednesday morning, the student at the center of the spectacle, Nicholas Sandmann, repeated a claim he made Sunday, that he was trying to defuse the situation, wearing a smile of silent prayer, not a condescending smirk, as he stood nose-to-nose with Omaha tribe elder Nathan Phillips.

The Guardian

* Wing and a Prayer (1944).

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a smile and a prayer" to convey a sense of resilience and optimism, particularly when facing difficult or uncertain situations. This phrase encapsulates the idea of maintaining a positive attitude while also seeking divine support.

Common error

While "a smile and a prayer" can be effective, avoid overusing it, as it can become cliché. Instead, vary your language to express hope and resilience in different ways, maintaining freshness and impact in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a smile and a prayer" functions as an idiomatic expression or short phrase often used to describe a way of facing adversity with positivity and faith. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a smile and a prayer" is a phrase used to convey hope, resilience, and faith in the face of adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While it appears across various sources, including News & Media and Wiki, its register leans toward neutral to informal contexts. When using this phrase, aim to evoke a sense of positivity and reliance on faith, but be mindful of overusing it to avoid clichés. As the examples from Ludwig show, "a smile and a prayer" encapsulates the spirit of facing challenges with both optimism and spiritual support.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prayerful optimism

Combines the elements of prayer and positive expectation.

Hope and faith

Focuses on the core elements of optimism without specifying actions.

Keeping the faith

Highlights religious faith as a source of strength.

Finding strength in faith

Highlights the empowering aspect of religious belief.

Maintaining a positive attitude

Emphasizes the mental state of positivity.

Remaining optimistic

Underscores a general sense of hopefulness.

Facing challenges with hope

Addresses the active confrontation of difficulties with a hopeful outlook.

Looking on the bright side

Focuses on finding positive aspects in a situation.

Trusting in providence

Relies on a higher power for guidance and support.

Hoping for the best

Expresses a desire for a positive outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "a smile and a prayer" in a sentence?

You can use "a smile and a prayer" to express reliance on positivity and faith during challenging times. For example: "Despite the setbacks, she faced each day with "a smile and a prayer"."

What are some alternatives to "a smile and a prayer"?

Alternatives include "hope and faith", "keeping the faith", or "remaining optimistic" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

In what contexts is "a smile and a prayer" most appropriate?

"A smile and a prayer" is suitable in contexts where you want to convey a sense of hope, resilience, and faith during adversity. It's often used in personal narratives, motivational speeches, and reflections on overcoming challenges.

How does the phrase "a smile and a prayer" contribute to the tone of a message?

The phrase "a smile and a prayer" adds a tone of hopefulness, faith, and determination. It suggests that even in difficult times, maintaining a positive attitude and seeking divine support can help one persevere.