close, but no cigar

IPA(Pronunciation)

colloquial idiomatic

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

Japanese Meaning

惜しいけれど成功には至らなかった / ほぼ正解・成功に近づいたが、完全な達成には至らなかった

He aimed perfectly and nearly hit the bullseye—close, but no cigar.

彼は完璧に狙いを定め、ほとんどブルズアイに当てるところだったが、惜しくも成功しなかった。

Sense（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.

（ canonical ）

but no cigar

（ canonical ）