Wing and a prayer


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Wing and a prayer : Phrases



Meaning:

Hopeful but unlikely to succeed.


Example:

She is driving on a wing and a prayer in that old jalopy.


Origin:

During World War One airplanes were still a novelty and untested in war. A wing and a prayer was first uttered when an American flyer came in with a badly damaged wing.

His fellow pilots and mechanics were amazed he didn't crash. He replied he was praying all the way in. Another pilot chimed in that a wing and a prayer brought you back.



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