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On a wing and a prayer

On a wing and a prayer

Meaning

In a difficult situation and reliant on luck to get out of it.

Examples

Jean was out on her feet after two miles. She was on a wing and a prayer to get to the end of the marathon.

Where did it originate?

USA. From a 1940s film script.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.
On a wing and a prayer

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