close but no cigar
close but no cigar
(of an attempt) almost but not quite successful - North American informal
This phrase possibly originated as a consoling comment to or about a man who put up a good, but not winning, performance in a competition or contest of strength in which the prize was a cigar.
1995 - Nick Hornby - High Fidelity - But, you know... you did not represent my last and best chance of a relationship. So, you know, nice try. Close, but no cigar.
close but no cigar :
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