Hail Mary pass

== English == === Etymology === From Hail Mary, a prayer for intercession, from Latin Ave Maria, plus pass (“moving the ball from one player to another”). Attested from the 1970s in the context of American football. === Noun === Hail Mary pass (plural Hail Mary passes) (American football) A long forward pass with little chance of completion, typically used by the losing team when time is running out and no other play is practical, in a desperate attempt to score the winning points. (by extension) An act done in desperation, with only a very small chance of success. ==== Translations ==== === See also === forlorn hope (military) hospital pass === References === “Hail Mary, phr. and n.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.