What Does “Close But No Cigar” Mean and How to Use it in IELTS Writing?

When you come across the phrase “close but no cigar”, it might sound a bit peculiar at first. This idiom, however, carries a significant meaning, especially for IELTS students who want to enhance their vocabulary and expressiveness. In this article, we will delve into the meaning, usage, and context of this phrase, and how it can be effectively incorporated into your IELTS exam preparation.

Understanding the Idiom “Close But No Cigar”

What Does It Mean?

The idiom “close but no cigar” means coming very close to success, but ultimately falling short. It originates from the 20th-century practice in the United States where cigars were given as prizes in carnival games.

• Pronunciation: /kloʊs bət noʊ sɪˈɡɑːr/
• Type: Idiom
• Example Sentence: He was almost chosen for the lead role, but close but no cigar.

Close But No Cigar

Synonyms and Antonyms

Here are some synonyms and antonyms for better understanding and usage in various contexts:

1. Near Miss (Synonym)

   • Pronunciation: /nɪr mɪs/
   • Example: The ball almost went into the goal, but it was a near miss.

2. Almost There (Synonym)

   • Pronunciation: /ˈɔːlmoʊst ðɛr/
   • Example: You are almost there, just one more step.

3. Not Quite (Synonym)

   • Pronunciation: /nɑːt kwaɪt/
   • Example: The answer is not quite correct.

4. Missed the Mark (Synonym)

   • Pronunciation: /mɪst ðə mɑːrk/
   • Example: His argument almost convinced me, but he missed the mark.

5. Fell Short (Antonym)

   • Pronunciation: /fɛl ʃɔrt/
   • Example: She tried hard but fell short of the target.

6. Wasn’t Successful (Antonym)

   • Pronunciation: /ˈwɑːzənt səkˈsɛsfəl/
   • Example: He wasn’t successful in his first attempt.

Prevalence in IELTS Exam

Commonality in IELTS

While idiomatic expressions like “close but no cigar” may not be directly tested in the IELTS exam, their usage can significantly boost your band score, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary, particularly idiomatic expressions, can show examiners that you have a strong command of the language.

Example Applications in IELTS

Writing Task 2 Sample

Question: Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier while others think it has made our lives more complex. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer:

Technology has undoubtedly revolutionized our lives, making many tasks significantly easier. For instance, communication across great distances is now seamless. However, we must also recognize that technology has, at times, added complexity to our lives. In my opinion, technology is indeed a boon, but for those who have not yet adapted to these advancements, it remains a case of “close but no cigar”. While they are near to benefiting from these tools, they often find themselves just shy of mastering them.

Speaking Part 2 Sample

Task: Describe a time when you nearly won something, but ultimately did not.

Sample Answer:

Last year, I participated in a local marathon. I trained for months and was in great shape. On the day of the race, I was leading for most of the course. However, in the final stretch, another runner overtook me, leaving me in second place. It was a tough pill to swallow since I had been so close to victory. It was definitely a “close but no cigar” moment for me.

Usage in Combination with Other Words

Understanding collocations can make your use of idioms seem more natural.

1. Come Close but No Cigar

   • Example: He came close but no cigar in passing the certification exam.

2. Almost There but No Cigar

   • Example: We were almost there but no cigar when trying to solve the puzzle.

3. Close Call but No Cigar

   • Example: It was a close call but no cigar when it came to winning the debate.

Related Idioms and Phrases

1. Over the hump

   • Meaning: Having passed the most difficult part.
   • Example: We are over the hump with this project; the rest should be easier.

2. Missed it by a hair

   • Meaning: Nearly successful.
   • Example: He missed winning the lottery by a hair.

3. Almost but not quite

   • Meaning: Very nearly but not exactly.
   • Example: The painting was almost but not quite finished.

4. A hair’s breadth away

   • Meaning: Extremely close to happening.
   • Example: The team was a hair’s breadth away from victory.

5. Fell at the last hurdle

   • Meaning: Failed just before the finish.
   • Example: She fell at the last hurdle in the competition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, idioms like “close but no cigar” provide a nuanced way to express almost achieving success but falling short. Using such phrases effectively can enrich your IELTS responses and demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency. By incorporating idiomatic expressions into your practice, you can enhance both your understanding and your performance on the test day.