You’ve probably heard someone say “close, but no cigar” when someone almost succeeds but falls just short. It’s a funny, old-school phrase that still pops up in conversations, game shows, and sports commentary.
But why a cigar? What does a near miss have to do with tobacco? In this article, we’ll unpack the surprising and smoky origins of this idiom, how it became popular, and where you still hear it today.
What Does “Close but No Cigar” Mean?
The idiom means someone almost achieved something, but not quite. It’s often used in a lighthearted, even teasing way to point out a narrow failure.
Example:
“He almost guessed the right number — close, but no cigar!”
It’s the kind of expression you’d expect from a carnival barker, and that’s no coincidence.
The Carnival Connection: The Original Prize
The phrase traces back to early 20th-century American carnivals and fairs, where cigars were commonly given as prizes for winning games.
In those days, these games weren’t always designed for kids—many carnival-goers were adults, and cigars were a luxury item, making them a fitting prize.
When someone came close to winning but didn’t quite make it, the carny might shout:
“Close! But no cigar!”
This phrase stuck because it perfectly captured that frustrating moment of just missing the mark.
🔗 Mental Floss: The Origins of “Close, but No Cigar”
When Did It Enter Mainstream Use?
By the 1930s and 1940s, the phrase was commonly used in American slang. It appeared in newspapers, radio broadcasts, and even movies as a way to describe near misses.
It gained even more popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, when it was used in TV game shows like The Price Is Right and Wheel of Fortune to describe contestants who narrowly missed a prize.
Cultural Significance: Why a Cigar?
Today, cigars are often associated with:
- Celebration (e.g., the birth of a child, a business success)
- Wealth or status
- Old-fashioned masculinity
So the idea of being denied a cigar evokes being denied a reward or moment of glory.
That emotional weight is what helped the phrase survive, even as cigars have become less common as actual prizes.
Is It Still Used Today?
Yes, though it’s considered slightly old-fashioned, it’s still widely understood—especially in English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
You’ll hear it in:
- Sports commentary
- Quiz shows
- Casual conversation
- Books and movies
It’s one of those idioms that sticks around because it’s vivid and catchy.
Related Idioms for “Almost but Not Quite”
If you’re looking for modern or similar ways to say “close but no cigar,” here are a few options:
- “So close, yet so far.”
- “You were this close!”
- “Just missed it.”
- “Nearly had it.”
But none carry the same quirky charm as “no cigar.”
Similar Idioms in Other Languages
This idea of “almost but not quite” appears in many languages, but the imagery varies.
- Spanish: Por un pelo – “By a hair”
- French: Être passé à un cheveu – “Missed it by a hair”
- German: Knapp daneben ist auch vorbei – “Close, but still a miss”
These phrases emphasize precision or narrow margins, just like “no cigar.”
🔗 FluentU – Idioms that Mean ‘Almost’
Fun Fact: Winston Churchill and Cigars
Although unrelated to the idiom’s origin, Winston Churchill’s iconic image with a cigar helped cement cigars as symbols of power and triumph.
So if you imagine someone being denied a cigar, you’re imagining a moment of lost victory—which is exactly what the idiom captures.
Final Thoughts: The Language of Near Misses
“Close but no cigar” may sound outdated, but it’s a surprisingly vivid phrase that taps into the universal feeling of almost getting what you want. It’s nostalgic, humorous, and a little bit dramatic—which makes it perfect for storytelling, jokes, or gentle teasing.
So the next time someone narrowly misses a goal, a game, or a guess, don’t just say “wrong”—say “https://slpblogs.com/Close… but no cigar.”
Because sometimes, the idiom is more fun than the win.
