to not  have  a (single) prayer
<i>not</i>
nɒt
not
have
hæv
hāv
a
ə
ē
(single)
sɪngəl
singēl
prayer
preə
pre

Definition & Meaning of "not have a (single) prayer"in English

to not have a (single) prayer
01

to have no chance of achieving success 

Dialectamerican flagAmerican
to {not} [have] a (single|) prayer definition and meaning
Disapproving
Idiom

What is the origin of the idiom "not have a prayer" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "not have a prayer" is uncertain, but it may be related to the idea of prayer as a form of supplication or appeal to a higher power for help or mercy. The phrase has been in use in English since at least the mid-20th century, and it has been applied to a wide range of situations, including personal and financial struggles, legal cases, and sports competitions. In general, the phrase is used to describe a situation where success is so unlikely that even divine intervention would not be enough to bring it about.

Examples
Without more funding, the project doesn't have a prayer. 
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