Smoking What does close but no cigar mean?
Phrase. close, but no cigar. (idiomatic) That’s almost correct, but not quite [from 1929] quotations ▼ Synonyms: a miss is as good as a mile, almost doesn’t count. It was close but no cigar for Johnny as he came second once again.
What movie is close but no cigar from?
Annie Oakley
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.
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!”
Where did the expression 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 sorry no dice mean?
Phrase. no dice. (idiomatic) An unacceptable alternative. (idiomatic) An unfavorable result. (informal) Used to express a negative outcome or decision.
What does cut to the chase mean?
to get to the point without wasting time
Why do we say uncle?
It seems that while “crying uncle” is today regarded as an Americanism, its origins go all the way back to the Roman Empire. … Roman children, when beset by a bully, would be forced to say “Patrue, mi Patruissimo,” or “Uncle, my best Uncle,” in order to surrender and be freed.
Why do we say sweating bullets?
To sweat bullets is to sweat profusely, with giant drops, but the phrase’s origin may be more complicated than the drops resembling bullets. The Word Detective believes the expression evolved from “sweating blood,” which refers back to Jesus’ fateful walk in the Bible.10 мая 2016 г.
What does the idiom sit tight mean?
to stay where you are, or to not take action until the right time. Just sit tight – I’ll be right back. We’ve decided to sit tight and not sell the house yet.
What does chip on 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 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.