hope against hope

Idioms and Phrases

Hope or wish for with little reason or justification, as in I'm hoping against hope that someone will return my wallet . This expression, based on the biblical “Who against hope believed in hope” (Romans 4:18), was first recorded in 1813.

Example Sentences

Hope against hope, this week I had planned to do what the rest of the world seemingly could not: Ignore Dennis Rodman.

From The Daily Beast

I hope against hope for some probing questions from Schieffer, too.

From The Daily Beast

I hope against hope that he learns how to go for the jugular sometime soon.

From The Daily Beast

Still, there were always a few refined and well-paying guests who encouraged me to hope against hope.

From Project Gutenberg

Now there can be little left; but I hope against hope that some of the wooden crosses which so impressed me are still intact.

From Project Gutenberg

Nevertheless, our “would-be mechanics hope against hope;” and to such we would, in conclusion, tender a word of advice.

From Project Gutenberg

She could not even hope against hope; she knew that Danglar was in deadly earnest.

From Project Gutenberg

They would hope against hope, waiting for the man who would never return.

From Project Gutenberg