Phrase guide

wing and prayer

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A precarious situation; a situation whose successful outcome is hoped for but uncertain.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • His sudden career change was a bit of a wing and prayer.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

An approach to addressing a problem whose effectiveness is doubtful.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The candidate’s speech had nothing to offer but wings and prayers.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the earlier and more common phrase on a wing and a prayer.