PhrasesHub

Close, but no cigar

    Definitions

      • Almost succeeding or achieving something
        Used to describe a situation where someone has come close to reaching a goal or completing a task, but ultimately falls short. It conveys a sense of disappointment or frustration at not being able to fully achieve the desired outcome.

      • Wrong or incorrect
        Can also be used to indicate that something is not quite right or accurate. It suggests that while the attempt may have been close, it is still not quite on target or correct. This usage is often used in a lighthearted or humorous way.

    Examples of Close, but no cigar

    • The sales team presented their ideas to the executive board, but unfortunately, their proposals didn't quite hit the mark. The CEO said, "Close, but no cigar."

      The idiom "Close, but no cigar" is used to describe a situation where someone has come very close to achieving their goal, but ultimately falls short. In this example, the sales team's ideas were almost accepted by the executive board, but they didn't quite meet all the necessary requirements, resulting in the CEO's response.Burn the midnight oil

    • The student stayed up late into the night, studying for her exams. She burned the midnight oil, determined to succeed.

      The idiom "Burn the midnight oil" refers to working late into the night, usually to complete a task or study for an exam. In this example, the student is putting in extra effort to prepare for her exams, staying up late into the night to "burn the midnight oil."Let the cat out of the bag

    • The teacher accidentally revealed the answer to the math problem, letting the cat out of the bag.

      The idiom "Let the cat out of the bag" is used to describe a situation where a secret is accidentally revealed. In this example, the teacher accidentally revealed the answer to the math problem, "letting the cat out of the bag" and ruining the surprise for the students.Kick the bucket

    • The actor passed away suddenly, kicking the bucket at a young age.

      The idiom "Kick the bucket" is used to describe a situation where someone dies suddenly or unexpectedly. In this example, the actor passed away suddenly, "kicking the bucket" at a young age.Pull out all the stops

    • The company pulled out all the stops to impress the potential investors, going above and beyond to showcase their products and services.

      The idiom "Pull out all the stops" is used to describe a situation where someone or a company goes above and beyond to achieve a goal or impress others. In this example, the company "pulled out all the stops" to impress the potential investors, showcasing their products and services in the best possible light.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "close, but no cigar" has two main meanings. The first is to describe a situation where one falls short of success, and the second is to indicate something being incorrect or not quite right.

    In the first meaning, the idiom is often used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction, as it conveys the idea that the person was very close to achieving their goal, but ultimately failed. It can also be used in a sarcastic or joking manner to downplay the significance of the near success. For example, "I was close, but no cigar" could be said after missing a shot in a game, highlighting the failure but also making light of it.

    In the second meaning, the idiom is commonly used to point out an error or mistake. It suggests that while someone may have attempted something, they did not quite hit the mark or get it right. This usage can also be used playfully, such as when a friend tells a joke that is almost funny but not quite there. They could say, "Close, but no cigar" to acknowledge the effort but also the lack of success.

    Origin of "Close, but no cigar"

    The origin of the idiom "close, but no cigar" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is thought to have originated from carnival games where cigars were often given as prizes. In these games, players would have to perform a task or complete a challenge to win a cigar. If they were close, but didn't quite succeed, they would be told "close, but no cigar."

    The phrase became popular in the 1930s and 1940s and was often used in movies and other forms of entertainment. It has since become a commonly used idiom in everyday language and has been adapted to different variations, such as "close, but no banana" or "close, but no cookie."

    The origin of the idiom may also have ties to the phrase "almost doesn't count," which conveys a similar meaning of near success not being enough. However, the use of cigars in carnival games is what likely gave rise to the specific phrase "close, but no cigar."