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Definitions

close but no cigar

ADVERB
nearly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
approximately practically roughly virtually
STRONG
about closely most well-nigh
WEAK
all but approaching as good as circa give or take a little in effect in essence in substance in the ballpark in the neighborhood just about more or less much nearabout not quite pretty near round roundly some somewhere upwards of within a little

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s been close, but close but no cigar, so I’m going to keep working and try to get it one day.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2023

“We can’t talk about not getting them without talking about the missed opportunities,” Morris said, “the close but no cigar type of things.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2022

Since then, it’s been close but no cigar for the Tigers despite winning 10 games in the rugged Atlantic Coast Conference and had a first-team all-ACC performer in both 2014 and 2016.

From Washington Times • Oct. 24, 2016

A two-point World Cup semi-final defeat by the eventual champions New Zealand was close but no cigar.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2016

Musk described the attempted rocket landing last weekend as "close, but no cigar" — but this assessment doesn't really do these images justice.

From The Verge • Jan. 16, 2015

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.