hope against (all) hope

hope against (all) hope

To continue to hope for something even though it seems unlikely to happen. I know she said that she wasn't going to come home for Christmas, but I'm hoping against hope she'll change her mind.
See also: hope
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

hope against (all) hope

to have hope even when the situation appears to be hopeless. We hope against all hope that she'll see the right thing to do and do it. There is little point in hoping against hope, except that it makes you feel better.
See also: hope
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

hope against hope

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.
See also: hope
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

hope against hope

cling to a mere possibility.
1995 Bill Bryson Notes from a Small Island I plodded on, hoping against hope that there would be a pub or cafe in Kimmeridge.
See also: hope
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ˌhope against ˈhope (that...)

continue to hope for something, even if this seems useless or foolish: It was a couple of days since the earthquake, but the family were still hoping against hope that their son was safe.
See also: hope
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

hope against hope

To hope with little reason or justification.
See also: hope
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • a change of heart
  • a mystery to (one)
  • appear to
  • able to do
  • able to do it
  • (one) can whistle for it
  • be (on) the wrong side of (an age)
  • be on the right/wrong side of 40, 50, etc.
  • a turn of phrase
  • a shoulder to cry on