Why "no cigar"?

[Yuri Yurinov]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #283 "English Slang Idioms (5)", question 2

I obviously still don't understand the concepts we've been discussing in class. Every time I answer the teacher's questions, she says "Close, but no .........."

(a) cigar
(b) coupon
(c) prize
(d) purpose

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #283 "English Slang Idioms (5)", answer 2

I obviously still don't understand the concepts we've been discussing in class. Every time I answer the teacher's questions, she says "Close, but no cigar."

Correct answer: (a) cigar

Your answer was: incorrect
I obviously still don't understand the concepts we've been discussing in class. Every time I answer the teacher's questions, she says "Close, but no prize."
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Why "no cigar", please?
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Everything is Anything.

Please NO Youtube on "My first steps in English" thread... Yuri Zverev

[Mister Micawber]

It is an idiom.

—Idiom
2. no cigar, Informal. not being a winning or successful effort, as if not good enough to earn a cigar as a prize: He made a good try at fielding the ball, but no cigar.

The idiom originates in the former use of cigars as prizes at fair competitions.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's

[Yuri Yurinov]

Hi Mr Micawber,

Thank you for your explanation. I think maybe I'll use this idiom sometimes.

Best regards,

Yuri
_________________
Everything is Anything.

Please NO Youtube on "My first steps in English" thread... Yuri Zverev

[Mister Micawber]

Good! I use it a lot.
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's