Hail Mary (1972)

[Fred Shapiro]

On Thu, 4 Dec 2003, Jesse Sheidlower wrote:

> I find this and Sam's quote interesting, in that my conception
> of a Hail Mary play involves a pass that's not only unlikely
> to be completed, but also, long/high. A 70-yard bomb into the
> end zone with one receiver surrounded by the entire defense,
> say. Similarly with other sports.
>
> But these quotes show a use unmarked for length, where the
> notable factor is only the likelihood of success.

Also a key element of usage is that the Hail Mary play is a desperation
pass with time running out and the game on the line.

Fred Shapiro


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Fred R. Shapiro                             Editor
Associate Librarian for Collections and     YALE DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS
  Access and Lecturer in Legal Research     Yale University Press,
Yale Law School                             forthcoming
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