Meaning of the idiom: 'Close, but no cigar'

We’ve all been there. A near-win. A just-missed opportunity. A moment when the finish line was in sight, but the ribbon slipped through our fingers and the winning prize went to someone else. Someone might smile and say to you, “Close, but no cigar.” You might have thought it or said it yourself. The idiom acknowledges effort while denying reward.

"Close, but no cigar" is a curious phrase, but it makes a lot of sense when listeners and speakers know its background. What is the origin of the idiom? What did it mean long ago? What does the idiom mean today? Why is it a cigar instead of a cigarette, a pipe, or something else? Let's set the record straight about "Close, but no cigar."

Origin of the idiom

The idiom “Close, but no cigar” dates back to the early 20th century, when cigars were handed out as prizes at carnivals and fairgrounds. Those weren’t the sanitized, child-friendly events we know today. Back then, many carnival booths catered to adults, and cigars were a common reward for games of skill—ring tosses, shooting galleries, and strength tests. The coveted cigar was given only to winners, and not to those who came close.

The idiom today

Today, the idiom is used in everything from sports commentary to job interviews, from family board games to political campaigns. Beneath its playful tone lies a deeper truth about human striving, disappointment, and the grace of the "almost."

Prizes today include gold, silver, and bronze medals. There are blue ribbons, trophies, certificates, and cash prizes. Dancing with the Stars, the long-running dance competition show, gives a mirror ball trophy and cash prizes to its winners.

Lessons from the idiom

"Close, but no cigar" is the almost that didn't happen, but it teaches us certain things.

• Sometimes, the “no” is just a “not yet.”
• Sometimes, the “close” is the beginning of something even closer.
• It acknowledges effort while denying reward.
• It motivates us to work harder for the next time.
• Like many idioms, it carries a story beneath its surface.

Examples when the idiom is appropriate

We’ve all felt that bittersweet moment when success was within reach, but not quite ours. Our effort helped us come close to winning. However, it was not enough for us to get the cigar, which was the only prize offered.

Here are some "Close, but no cigar" examples:

• A job interview that ended with: “We selected someone else.”
• A game lost by a single point.
• The student who scored just below the scholarship threshold.
• A creative submission that earned praise but not publication.

The power of almost

It’s tempting to hear the phrase as a dismissal. However, there’s something formative in the “almost.” Sometimes, the “no cigar” moments are the very ones that prepare us for what’s next. They teach us patience. They refine our vision. They remind us that the journey matters as much as the prize.

So the next time you hear someone say it—whether after a missed shot, a near-win, or a creative lesson still unfolding—pause. Smile. And remember: the absence of a cigar doesn’t mean the absence of practice or purpose.

Other idioms by this writer

If you like idioms as much as I do, here are others to read.

• Idioms about dogs
• Idioms about birds
• What is a swan song?
• Glass half full or glass half empty
• You can't have your cake and eat it too
• I am a triple threat