“Close but no cigar” is an idiomatic expression meaning nearly successful or nearly correct, likely originating from American fairs in the mid-20th century where cigars were a common prize. It is used to denote an enterprise that was nearly completed but ultimately not entirely successful, with no reward or compensation given for the effort. The phrase first appeared in American popular culture and is commonly used by American newspaper reporters.
“Close but no cigar” is one of many English sayings characterized as an idiomatic expression. In general terms, the saying means close to successful or nearly correct. It probably comes from a comparison with games played at American fairs in the mid-20th century.
Like many similar expressions, the words in the sentence do not describe an actual physical object or action. Rather, the expression is used in a symbolic sense, representing an idea or thought. Such literary techniques are known as idioms and typically consist of a comparison between the literal expression and the idea or thought presented.
The actual terms in “near but no cigar” probably refer to the American fairground of the mid-20th century. Many booths were set up in these grounds where people played a game to win a prize. During this era, cigars were a common prize given by fairground vendors. If an individual hasn’t beaten the game, the vendor might say “close” or “nice try, but no cigar.”
In these cases – just as with the modern expression – the words were meant to denote an enterprise that was nearly completed, but ultimately not entirely successful. A contemporary example might occur when an individual goes for a job interview. If the applicant makes it to the last few rounds of interviews, but the position is eventually given to another applicant, then some might say that the individual’s failed attempt was ‘close but no cigar’. In this case, the “cigar,” or prize, would have been the work. Usually, the negative outcome is compounded by no reward or compensation being given for the effort.
A slightly different interpretation of the phrase may occur if you are looking for an answer to some question or problem. In searching for the correct idea, an individual might propose an answer or a solution. If this hypothesis turns out to be almost correct but still not quite right, then it could be said that the proposal was “close but without a cigar”.
This saying is believed to have originated in the United States because it first appears in American popular culture. A 1930s film version of Annie Oakley’s life contains the line “Close, Colonel, but no cigar.” American newspaper reporters also used the phrase frequently in the following decades.
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