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close, but no cigar

That's almost correct, but not quite.

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.
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Submitted on September 01, 2009

Translation

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blízko, ale žádný doutník

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to close, but no cigar

close shaveclose upclose ranksI know you are but what am Idown but not outclose the faceclose upclose to the windit's not what you know but who you knowit never rains but it poursflower not but flowers petal.close to homeit's not the size of the dog in the fig…close up shop

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    "close, but no cigar." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Nov. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/close,-but-no-cigar_2945>.

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