“Close but no cigar” is an informal expression for an attempt that came near to success or correctness but did not quite achieve it. The modern meaning is published without claiming an exact inventor or first occurrence.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionPhrases & Idioms
Quick answer
“Close but no cigar” means an attempt came close but was not fully successful or correct.
Key details
Canonical Formclose but no cigar
Core Meaningalmost successful or correct, but not quite
Further guidance
History Boundary
Current dictionary-supported meaning is published without claiming an exact inventor, coinage date, or absolute first use.
Meaning
almost successful or correct, but not quite
Usage Boundary
It is informal and can sound teasing; avoid it where a failed result needs neutral, precise, or sensitive wording.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
To be “up to par” is to meet the usual or expected standard. Cambridge records this current meaning. The phrase can describe work, performance, condition, or quality; this guide focuses on that established usage rather than claiming a precise historical first use.
“All bark and no bite” contrasts threatening or forceful talk with little corresponding action. This guide keeps the current figurative meaning separate from any exact-origin claim.
“Leave No Stone Unturned” means do everything possible to achieve a result, especially while searching for something. This guide focuses on the documented modern idiomatic meaning and does not claim an unsupported exact origin date.
“A dime a dozen” is a chiefly US idiom for something very common, easy to find, and not especially distinctive. The wording can carry a dismissive tone when it suggests that something is readily replaceable.
“A drop in the bucket” describes an amount that is very small compared with what is needed or compared with a much larger whole. Cambridge labels it as the US form and gives “a drop in the ocean” as the UK counterpart.
“A leopard can’t change its spots” is a saying about the persistence of character, especially negative traits. Cambridge also records the “doesn’t change its spots” form. This guide limits the page to present-day form and meaning rather than asserting an unsupported exact origin date.
“A Needle in a Haystack” means something that is extremely difficult or effectively impossible to find because the search area is so large. This guide focuses on the documented modern idiomatic meaning and does not claim an unsupported exact origin date.
