desperation move
Hail Mary attempt
A desperation move is an action taken when options have run out—a last resort with low odds of success but no better alternative.
The phrase implies the person knows it's unlikely to work: Down by twenty with two minutes left, the coach called a desperation move—an onside kick.
Often used in games, sports, and competitive situations where someone facing near-certain defeat tries something risky or unconventional.
- last resortFinal available option
- hail maryDesperate long-shot attempt
- gambleStake on uncertain outcome
- shot in the darkAttempt lacking any basis
- riskyInvolving possible harm
last ditch effort · frantic · panic · all-in · all or nothing · clutch · survival · cornered · backs against the wall · trapped · reckless · gambit · longshot · final · escape · scramble · flailing · stakes
- desperate measureslast resort, last ditch, last chance, last hope, last stand
- Quick Decisionssnap judgment, gut feeling, impulse buy, quick pick, on the fly
- Risky Playshail mary, fake punt, onside kick, trick play, flea flicker
desperation movepower play
Strategic leverage attempt
winning move · coup de grâce · finishing blow · checkmate · victory lap
desperation, desperate, desperately, desperateness, despair, despairing, despairingly, move, moves