Определение hail mary play в Английский Язык Английский Язык словарь
(Spor) A Hail Mary pass or Hail Mary play in American football is a forward pass made in desperation, with only a very small chance of success. The typical Hail Mary is a very long forward heave thrown at or near the end of a half where there is no realistic possibility for any other play to work, though the most famous were thrown at the end of a game. The phrase derives from the name of a prominent Roman Catholic prayer to the Virgin Mary. The success of this play is unlikely due to the general inaccuracy of the pass and the defensive team's preparedness for the play -- the pass is thrown and a prayer is said, hoping a receiver catches it; the defense could easily intercept or knock down the ball