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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

keep a close watchclose upclose to homeI know you are, but what am Iclose to the windflower not but flowers petal.cut it closecome to a closedictated but not readclose to the windI know you are but what am Iclose the stable door after the horse h…close rankshits pretty close to home

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