not a prayer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a prayer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is highly unlikely to happen or that there is no chance of success. Example: "If you think you can convince her to change her mind, that's not a prayer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Not a prayer without crocked Barry" was another.

Independent

Not a prayer, although his metronomic, intimidatingly balanced game can sometimes lack for easy-access appeal.

The New York Times - Sports

There is no Bradman now and not a prayer of his successors emulating that feat.

Independent

A generic two-word reference to God tucked inside a rote civic exercise is not a prayer.

The New York Times

Once the whistle blew, there was not a prayer that Itumeleng Khune, the South Africans' agile goalie, would reach the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

There is not a prayer more beautiful or nostalgic than the one which evokes the splendor of its past and the shattering and enduring memory of its destruction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

There wasn't a prayer.

The Guardian - Film

Naturally, it hasn't a prayer.

The Guardian - Film

that haven't a prayer of making it to the post-season.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I hadn't a prayer that they would consider me," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Accordingly, this is a very beautiful song, ending in what sounds like (but probably isn't) a prayer.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a prayer" to convey strong disbelief or to emphasize the unlikelihood of a particular outcome. It adds color to your writing and can make your point more memorable.

Common error

While "not a prayer" is acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral expression might be preferable. Choose alternatives like "highly unlikely" or "impossible" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a prayer" functions as an idiomatic expression used to emphatically deny the possibility of something occurring. It serves to underscore the speaker's strong belief that success or achievement is unattainable in a given situation, as Ludwig shows.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not a prayer" is an idiomatic expression used to emphatically deny the possibility of something occurring. It's commonly found in news and media, and academia, functioning as a way to express a strong sense of futility. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's considered informal, and according to Ludwig is is best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing, opting for more neutral alternatives. Phrases like "no chance" or "impossible" can serve as suitable substitutes in different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no chance

A more direct and common way to express impossibility.

not a hope

Similar to "not a prayer" but slightly less emphatic.

no way

An informal expression of impossibility.

it's impossible

A straightforward statement of impossibility, lacking the idiomatic flavor.

out of the question

Indicates that something is not worth considering due to its impossibility or undesirability.

fat chance

A sarcastic way to express disbelief and impossibility.

no possibility

A more formal way to express the absence of a chance.

beyond the realm of possibility

Emphasizes the extreme unlikelihood of something happening.

it won't happen

A simple and direct statement of something not occurring.

slim to none

Indicates that the chances of something happening are very low.

FAQs

What does "not a prayer" mean?

The phrase "not a prayer" means that there is absolutely no chance of something happening or succeeding. It expresses a strong degree of impossibility or unlikelihood.

How can I use "not a prayer" in a sentence?

You can use "not a prayer" to emphasize that something is impossible. For example: "If you think you can convince him to change his mind, you have "no chance", there's "not a prayer"."

What can I say instead of "not a prayer"?

You can use alternatives like "no chance", "not a hope", or "impossible" depending on the context.

Is "not a prayer" formal or informal?

The phrase "not a prayer" is generally considered informal. While widely understood, it may not be appropriate for very formal or academic writing. Consider using more neutral alternatives in those contexts.