A ghost of a show?

Question

What does "a ghost of a show" mean?Context:   Carry on, carry on, you haven't a ghost of a show.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Without context, that means nothing to me

The standard expression 'You haven't a ghost of a chance' means you haven't even a very remote chance.

Clive

SweetFreedom · Answer

The full context is here:

http://jacklichter.wordpress.com/2009/08/20/poem-carry-on-by-robert-w-service/

Carry On by Robert W. Service

It is easy to fight when everything is right,

And you are mad with the thrill and the glory;

It is easy to cheer when victory is near,

and wallow in fields of glory.

It is a different song when everything is wrong.

When you are feeling eternally mortal;

When it’s ten against one, and hope there is none,

Buck up little soldier and chortal

Carry On! Carry On!

There isn’t much punch in your blow.

You’re glaring and staring and hitting out blind.

You’er muddy and ******, but never you mind.

Carry On Carry On

You haven’t a ghost of a show.

It look’s like death, but while you a breath.

Carry on my son1 Carry On!

And so in the strife of the battle of life

It is easy to fight when one is winning;

It’s easy to slave, and starve and be brave,

When the dawn of success is beginning.

But the man who can meet despair and defeat

With a cheer, there is the man of ***’s choosing

The man who can fight to Heavens own height

Is the man who can fight when he is losing.

Carry On! Carry On!

Things were never looming so black.

But show that you haven’t a cowardly streak,

And though you’re unlucky you never are weak.

Carry On! Carry On!

Brace up for another attack.

It looking like **** – but you never can tell;

Carry On, old man! Carry On!

There are some who drift out in the desert of doubt,

And some who brutishness wallow;

There are other, I know, who in piety go

Because of a heave to follow.

But to labor wih zest, and give it your best,

For the sweetness and joy of the giving;

To help folks along with a hand and a song;

Why, there’s the subshine of living.

Carry On! Carry On!

Fight the good fight and true;

Belive in your mission, greet life with a cheer;

There ‘s big work to do,and that’s while you are here

Carry On! Carry On!

Let the world be the better for you’

And last when you die, let this be your cry;

Carry On, my soul! Carry On!

Clive · Answer

I don't know what it means.

Blue Jay · Answer

Here is a link to what appears to be a better copy of the poem:
http://www.poetryloverspage.com/poets/service/carry_on.html

Show here is a slang expression meaning a chance or opportunity.

A ghost of a show?

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