(Coming in) on a wing and a prayer

Definitions

• relying on luck or chance
  To attempt something with little hope of success, hoping for a fortunate outcome

• barely making it
  To narrowly avoid a negative outcome or disaster

Examples of (Coming in) on a wing and a prayer

Conclusion

The idiom "on a wing and a prayer" is typically used to describe a situation where someone is relying on luck or chance to achieve success or avoid a negative outcome. It can also refer to barely making it through a difficult situation.

This idiom is often used in a figurative sense, rather than a literal one. It can be used to describe a situation where someone is taking a risk or facing a challenge with little chance of success, but still holding on to hope for a positive outcome. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone has narrowly escaped a negative outcome or disaster.

Origin of "(Coming in) on a wing and a prayer"

The origin of this idiom is believed to come from a popular World War II song called "Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer," which was written by Harold Adamson and Jimmy McHugh in 1943. The song was inspired by a true story of a damaged American bomber that was able to return to base despite having only one working engine and a damaged wing.

The idiom became popular after the song's release and was used to describe not only the brave actions of the bomber crew, but also the overall sense of hope and determination during the war. Over time, the idiom began to be used in a wider context to represent relying on luck or chance in any difficult situation.

Today, "on a wing and a prayer" is a commonly used idiom that conveys the idea of taking a chance or facing a challenge with little hope of success, but still holding on to hope for a positive outcome. Its origin in a wartime context adds a sense of bravery and determination to its meaning, making it a powerful and relatable phrase in both everyday conversations and literature.