Smoking What is the origin and meaning of close but no cigar?
From the practice of giving cigars as prizes at carnivals in the US in the 20th century; this phrase would be said to those who failed to win a prize.
What is the meaning of the idiom close but no cigar?
informal. used to say that someone almost succeeded, but is not completely successful or correct: It was close but no cigar for Johnny as he came second once again.
Where does close but no cigar?
What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Close, but no cigar’?
The phrase, and its variant ‘nice try, but no cigar’, are of US origin and date from the mid-20th century. Fairground stalls gave out cigars as prizes, and this is the most likely source, although there’s no definitive evidence to prove that.
What does close but no banana mean?
Close, but no banana Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries. Slang Dictionaries. Australian Slang. phrase indicating that someone has made a good, but nevertheless incorrect, guess.
Who first said Close but no cigar?
Throughout the 30s the phrase became more popular and was commonly used in print and even movies. You might remember the famous line from the film Annie Oakley, “Close, Colonel, but no cigar!”
What does cut the Chase mean?
to get to the point without wasting time
What does chip on your shoulder mean?
To have a chip on one’s shoulder refers to the act of holding a grudge or grievance that readily provokes disputation. It can also mean a person thinking too much of oneself (often without the credentials) or feeling entitled.
What does she can t cut the mustard mean?
Most often, the phrase is used in negative constructions for when something doesn’t live up to expectations or can’t do the job, e.g., The quarterback couldn’t cut the mustard in the playoffs.
What is the saying until the cows come home?
(idiomatic) For a very long period of time. You can crank the engine until the cows come home, but it won’t start without fuel.
Where did the phrase sit tight come from?
The tight aspect of this idiom, most likely, comes from when it was common in the Western world to have a bed frame made of ropes strung equally apart both horizontally and vertically in the frame. One would tighten the ropes before getting into bed to assure the mattress laid on the ropes as straight as possible.
What is the meaning of the idiom No dice?
No dice, from the 1920s, alludes to an unlucky throw in gambling; no go, alluding to lack of progress, dates from about 1820; and no soap dates from about 1920 and possibly alludes to the phrase it won’t wash, meaning “it won’t find acceptance.” Also see nothing doing; won’t wash.
What is the term scott free mean?
: completely free from obligation, harm, or penalty.