close but no cigar

A form of close — To move a thing, or part of a thing, nearer to another so that the gap or opening between the two is removed.

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Meanings

phrase
  1. alternativeAlternative form of close, but no cigar.
Cite this entry
APA

close but no cigar. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/close%20but%20no%20cigar

MLA

“close but no cigar.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/close%20but%20no%20cigar. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “close but no cigar,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/close%20but%20no%20cigar.

Source: close but no cigar on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.