hail Mary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hail Mary" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a context where someone makes a desperate attempt to achieve something, often in sports or other high-stakes situations. 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

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Hail Mary.

The New Yorker

It's called Hail Mary.

The Guardian - Music

Winning with a Hail Mary.

The Guardian - Sport

So he went for the Hail Mary.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Hail Mary" (1985, Jean-Luc Godard).

The New Yorker

Dunstan Prial calls it a "Hail Mary" plan.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Hail, hail, John Cale.

The New Yorker

1) All hail Biff.

The Guardian - Sport

All hail Dwight Garner (including us).

The New Yorker

All hail, John Flynn's Bestseller.

The Guardian - Film

"Hail, hail, John Cale!" a man yelled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hail Mary" in writing, ensure the context aligns with a situation involving a low probability of success or a desperate attempt to achieve a last-minute goal. It's commonly used in sports, business, and general problem-solving scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "hail Mary" in highly formal or academic writing unless the context is appropriate and the tone is somewhat relaxed. It can come across as too informal or colloquial in certain professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hail Mary" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used to describe a desperate attempt or a last-ditch effort to achieve something, particularly when the chances of success are slim. As seen in Ludwig, it can refer to a specific play in football or a general strategy in other fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

16%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hail Mary" is a common noun phrase used to describe a desperate, last-ditch attempt to achieve a goal, often with a low probability of success. Originating from American football, it has expanded to various contexts including business, politics, and general problem-solving. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, although it's more suited for neutral to informal settings. While widely understood, formal writing may benefit from more precise alternatives like "last-ditch effort" or "desperate attempt". When using the phrase, ensure the context aligns with its inherent sense of urgency and low likelihood of success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last-ditch attempt

Focuses on the finality and desperation of the effort.

desperate measure

Highlights the urgency and risk involved.

final gamble

Emphasizes the element of chance and high stakes.

risky endeavor

Underlines the potential for failure.

long shot

Indicates a low probability of success.

prayer for a miracle

Highlights the element of hope and divine intervention.

act of desperation

Emphasizes the dire circumstances leading to the action.

radical solution

Indicates a significant departure from conventional methods.

emergency plan

Suggests a response to an unexpected crisis.

outside chance

Focuses on the slim possibility of a favorable outcome.

FAQs

How to use "hail Mary" in a sentence?

You can use "hail Mary" to describe a last-ditch effort with a low probability of success. For example: "With only seconds left, the team attempted a "hail Mary" pass."

What's the origin of the phrase "hail Mary"?

The phrase "hail Mary" originates from American football, referring to a long, desperate pass made in the hopes of scoring a touchdown as time expires. It's derived from the Catholic prayer of the same name, suggesting a plea for divine intervention.

What can I say instead of "hail Mary"?

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

Is it appropriate to use "hail Mary" in formal writing?

While "hail Mary" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and less colloquial alternatives such as "last-ditch effort" or "desperate attempt".