What is the saying on a wing and a prayer?
informal. : without much chance of success She took the job on a wing and a prayer.
Where did a wing and a prayer come from?
Origin of On a Wing and a Prayer
This expression originated during World War II. It appeared in a film called The Flying Tigers in the year 1942. One of the pilots in the military had lost one wing of his plane, so he was trying to land using only one wing and a prayer.
What does not a prayer mean?
If you say that someone does not have a prayer, you mean that it is impossible for them to achieve something. The team was on such good form, their opponents didn’t have a prayer.
What does on the wing means?
In flight, usually referring to a bird as opposed to a plane. For example, Louise is very good at identifying birds on the wing. [ Late 1400s] 2. Active, in motion, as in Coaches are always on the wing, trying to recruit talented athletes.
What the meaning of a drop in the ocean?
Definition of a drop in the ocean
British, informal. : an amount that is so small that it does not make an important difference or have much effect They need to raise thousands of pounds for this project, so our 20-pound donation is just a drop in the ocean.
Where does on the fly come from?
The expression on the fly most probably originated with American baseball and came into use in the mid-1800s. A fly in American baseball is a ball that is hit by the batter into the air, without the ball touching the ground.
What is winging it meaning?
informal. : to do or try to do something without much practice or preparation I hadn’t practiced the part, so I got up there and winged it.
Where does the phrase winging it come from?
This expression comes from the theater, where it alludes to an actor studying his part in the wings (the areas to either side of the stage) because he has been suddenly called on to replace another. First recorded in 1885, it eventually was extended to other kinds of improvisation based on unpreparedness.
WHO said on a wing and a prayer?
This inspired a line in the 1942 movie The Flying Tigers uttered by John Wayne’s character: “She’s coming in on one wing and a prayer.” In 1943 a song entitled Comin’ in on a Wing and a Prayer was written by Harold Adamson and Jimmy McHugh.
Who sang coming in on a wing and a prayer?
What is prayer in simple words?
1a(1) : an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought said a prayer for the success of the voyage. (2) : a set order of words used in praying. b : an earnest request or wish. 2 : the act or practice of praying to God or a god kneeling in prayer.
What is prayer in Bible?
What is prayer in the Bible? Prayer in the Bible is how believers of God talk to him. It’s how they make their praise and requests known. The Scriptures are filled with beautiful examples of people crying out to God and asking for his strength, guidance, healing and more. … This leads to what is the purpose of prayer is.
What does have a prayer mean?
To not have any chance at all of doing or achieving something. Almost always used in the negative.