You were close, but no cigar.
close, but no cigar
idiomUsed to indicate that one is almost correct or has almost succeeded, but not quite.
Origin
disputed originFrom the practice of giving cigars as prizes at carnivals in the United States in the 20th century; those who did not win would fail to receive a cigar, even if they came close.
I guessed the password correctly on the third try, but the first two attempts were close, but no cigar.
Although the team reached the final round of the competition, they ultimately fell short; it was close, but no cigar.
- 01
a cigar is just a cigar
The matter is simple and straightforward.
- 02
close enough for government work
Adequate; acceptable as government work, imperfect but not worth the time nor effort of improving.
- 03
close in on
To enclose around; to tighten or shrink; to collapse.
- 04
close on the heels of
Near in time or place; very close.
- 05
close one eye
to look the other way, to deliberately ignore or overlook (a mistake or transgression).
- 06
close one's eyes
To ignore something.
- 07
close one's mind
To refuse to understand things.
- 08
close season
A situation or period in which some activity is forbidden or discontinued.