EN
EN
EN
EN
FR
ES
RU
IT
TR
UK
not have a (single) prayer
/nˌɒt hav ɐ sˈɪŋɡəl pɹˈeə/
/nˌɑːt hæv ɐ sˈɪŋɡəl pɹˈɛɹ/
to not have a (single) prayer
[PHRASE]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
1. Without any experience or training, he didn't have a prayer of getting the job.
2. The team was so outmatched by their opponents that they didn't have a single prayer of winning the game.
3. After the devastating earthquake, many people were trapped under the rubble and didn't have a prayer of being rescued.
4. They know that these places all don't have a prayer.
more