close, but no cigar

phrase

(idiomatic, originally US, colloquial) Used to indicate that one is almost correct or has almost succeeded, but not quite.

He came close to winning the race, but no cigar.

意味（1）

(idiomatic, originally US, colloquial) Used to indicate that one is almost correct or has almost succeeded, but not quite.

Betty ran all out in the sprint race; yet, it was close, but no cigar.