Idiom: Pin you hopes on

[Priscila]

Test No. express/advan-3 "Lucky Alex", question 2

He had given in to a longstanding weakness of his and pinned his hopes on the favourite winning the race.

(a) made a wish about
(b) tried his luck with
(c) made a promise
(d) put a lot of faith in

Test No. express/advan-3 "Lucky Alex", answer 2

He had given in to a longstanding weakness of his and put a lot of faith in on the favourite winning the race.

Correct answer: (d) put a lot of faith in
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What's the meaning of pinned his hopes?

Priscila

[Alan]

This means hope very much that something good will happen. Example: Many people pin their hopes on winning the lottery.
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English as a Second Language
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[Haihao]

Is there any difference between 'pin one's faith on' and 'pin one's hope on'? Also, is the latter alright either with hope or with hopes?

Thank you. haihao

[Alan]

Hi,

Two points: the expression is usually 'pin your hopes on' 'Pin you faith on' has more of a religious flavour since 'faith' here suggests there is 'faith' or 'belief' in a religion which makes you optimistic.

A
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English as a Foreign Language
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[Haihao]

Thank you very much indeed. haihao

[Dina27]

Good morning,

He had given in to a longstanding weakness of his... Does it mean that he used to be a gambler?

Dina

[Alan]

Hi Dina,

Yes, you could regard his 'weakness' as gambling/taking a risk or chance on something happening. The fact however that is a longstanding weakness also suggests that this (weakness) is still with him.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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[Dina27]

Thanks, Alan! I`ve got the idea. :-) Longstanding means that he continues to be a gambler, and the last sentences of the story convey the same meaning.