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.

Stopping Celtic earning 10 titles in a row was enormous but too often it was a case of close but no cigar and at Rangers, that's not good enough.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

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

They’ve made it to the NFC championship game four times since — close but no cigar probably gets pretty old after a while, especially with an all-time great at quarterback.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2023

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

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

close but no cigar

Example Sentences

Related Words