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The phrase “hope and a prayer” is an idiom in English.

Meaning

To have “only a hope and a prayer” means:

• You have very little chance of success, and

• The only thing left is wishful thinking or faith.

In other words, the situation is almost impossible, but you're still hoping somehow it works out.

Example Sentences

• The team went into the final match with only a hope and a prayer of winning.

• The old car barely runs—we’ll get to the airport on a hope and a prayer.

• He applied to the top university with a hope and a prayer.

Where the Expression Comes From

The phrase comes from the idea that when practical options are gone, the only things left are:

• hope (optimism), and

• prayer (appealing to divine help).

Similar Expressions

• Long shot

• Against all odds

• Hail Mary (especially in American sports)

• Slim chance

💡 Simple interpretation:
“Hope and a prayer” = almost no chance, but you try anyway.