The phrase "hail mary pass" is a common expression in American football used to describe a desperation throw made by a quarterback in the final moments of a game. The spelling of "hail mary" is pronounced as /heɪl ˈmɛəri/, with the first word pronounced like "hale" and the second word pronounced like "Mary." The phrase is believed to have originated from a reference to the Hail Mary prayer in Catholicism, which is a plea for divine intervention during times of uncertainty.
A "Hail Mary pass" refers to a last-ditch, desperate attempt made by a team in American football or other sports to score points or win a game. This term originates from a specific play in football, where the quarterback throws a long, low-percentage pass towards the opposing team's end zone, hoping that one of their own receivers can catch the ball and score a touchdown. The Hail Mary pass is typically executed when the team is in a dire situation, such as being far behind on the scoreboard, running out of time, or facing insurmountable odds.
This term is commonly used metaphorically or figuratively outside the realm of sports to describe any risky, improbable, or audacious action taken, often as a final resort, to achieve a goal or solve a problem. It implies a sense of desperation, uncertainty, and an acknowledgement that the chances of success are slim. The phrase is often associated with an all-or-nothing mentality, where the outcome is highly uncertain and entirely dependent on luck or external factors beyond one's control. Employing a Hail Mary pass suggests a willingness to take a big gamble, even if the odds are heavily stacked against one's favor, in the hopes of achieving a miraculous outcome.