Hail Mary Pass Definition

noun

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.

Wiktionary

An act done in desperation, with only a very small chance of success.

Wiktionary

Origin of Hail Mary Pass

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.

From Wiktionary