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close, but no cigar Twit Definition of close, but no cigar Share Definition of close, but no cigar on Facebook Digg:Definition of close, but no cigar! stumble Definition of close, but no cigar Bookmark Definition of close, but no cigar on Delicious submit Definition of close, but no cigar to reddit Bookmark Definition of close, but no cigar
idiom 
  1. (idiom) that's almost correct, but not quite
Translations: 
  • French: presque réussi, mais raté
    (trans-mid)
  • German: knapp daneben ist auch vorbei.
Etymology: From the practice of giving cigars as prizes at carnivals in the US in the 19th century; this phrase would be said to those who failed to win a prize.<!--No need for so much verbiage:This phrase developed in 19th century United States, at carnivals. Often, winners of games of strength received a cigar as a prize. If a player failed to win, the carnival worker would tell him or her "Close, but no cigar". Over time, this phrase came to represent a broader exclamation of encouragement.-->

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