Popular Expression Close, But No Cigar Posted July 1, 2014February 25, 2020 Evil Close, But No Cigar = fall just short of a successful outcome and get nothing for your efforts Ex: We almost won the game, but we lost at the end. “Close, but no cigar.” Ex: Actually my name is Matt, not Max. “Close, but no cigar.” BACK to Popular Expressions Open modal× Become an Evil English Member! Try it FREE for 1 month! Click here to learn more