How to Pronounce "on a wing and a prayer"
expression
on-uh WING-uhnd-uh PRAIR
on-uh WING-uhnd-uh PRAIR
Definition
This expression means to try to succeed or survive even though you have very little chance or resources, relying mostly on hope or luck.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈwɪŋ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈpɹeɪɝ/, /ˈpɹɛɹ
British English
ˈɒn/ /æɪ/ /wˈɪŋ/ /ˈænd/ /æɪ/ /pɹɛə(ɹ)
Simplified Pronunciation
US
on-uh WING-uhnd-uh PRAIR
UK
on-uh WING-uhnd-uh PRAIR
Listen in Context
We fixed the car on a wing and a prayer and got home safely.
The old plane landed safely on a wing and a prayer.
We finished the project on a wing and a prayer before the deadline.
The company survived last year on a wing and a prayer, but now things are better.