close but no cigar
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
“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
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
