not have a prayer

idiom

Meaning

To have no chance or possibility, usually in the face of peril or adversity.

Origin

disputed origin

Implies that not even divine intervention could save the person.

Examples

SIMPLE

Without enough practice, he does not have a prayer of winning.

CONTEXTUAL

The team was so exhausted by the final quarter that they did not have a prayer of catching up to their opponents.

COMPLEX

Given the severity of the storm and the lack of proper equipment, the small vessel did not have a prayer of reaching the harbor safely.

Anchors to