Not really a grammatical question...but didn't know where else to post..;;

Question

I understand that 'hoping against hope' meant 'hoping even in the midst of the deepest despair'....my question is...why? Is there a reason why this expression is so peculiar? Just curious...Thanx ^^

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I understand that 'hoping against hope' meant 'hoping even in the midst of the deepest despair'....

my question is...why? Is there a reason why this expression is so peculiar? Just curious...

If you google a bit, you'll find some comments and definitions, eg

http://www.answers.com/topic/hope-against-hope

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/8/messages/333.html

I don't think these are 100% satisfactory.

I wonder if 'hope against hope' is a bit related to something like 'hope against the odds', ie 'in opposition to the odds'. You'd think the phrase would seem to make more sense if it were 'hope against no hope', wouldn't you?

Best wishes, Clive

Philip · Answer

I'm reminded of FDR's "we have nothing to fear but fear itself".

Not really a grammatical question...but didn't know where else to post..;;

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