/ “Close but no cigar” 🎂

Meaning: Refers to a situation where someone comes very close, but ultimately falls short or fails to achieve their goal.

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Origin

The phrase is believed to have originated in the 1920s in the United States, specifically in the world of poker. It’s thought to have been coined by a gambler who said “cut your losses” to a player who had lost a hand but was still within striking distance of winning. Over time, the phrase evolved into its current form.

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Real-Time Example

Imagine you’ve just finished writing a crucial report for work and are confident that it’s perfect. However, when you submit it, your boss asks for minor changes before considering it ready for publication. You’re thrilled to have been so close, but ultimately, the report isn’t deemed good enough.

“I was really happy with how my presentation turned out,” said Sarah, “but in the end, I didn’t make the finals. Close but no cigar.”

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Other Everyday Contexts

Situation	Usage
Applying for a job	“[You’re a strong candidate, but the job goes to someone else].”
Running a marathon	“[You almost finished, but came up just short of your goal time].”
Studying for an exam	“[You studied hard and passed the test by a hair’s breadth, but didn’t quite ace it].”

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In short: You’re close, but don’t get discouraged – keep trying!