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Last post 21 years ago by SteveS. 10 replies replies.
Close, but no cigar
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E-Chick Offline
#1 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 9:16 AM EST
Joined: 06-15-2002
Posts: 4,877
Maybe this belongs on the Misc. board...but I don't care...it has the word 'cigar' in it...

Close, but no cigar. Where did that saying come from anyway?
SteveS Offline
#2 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 9:56 AM EST
Joined: 01-13-2002
Posts: 8,751
The phrase "Close, but no cigar" (meaning to come disappointingly close to success) supposedly has it's origin in the fact that early slot machines paid out cigars as prizes.
Spiny Norman Offline
#3 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 10:22 AM EST
Joined: 09-04-2002
Posts: 899
I believe that sideshow pitchmen coined the phrase. Cigars were apparently popular carnival prizes in all sorts of games of chance before the invention of purple plush stuffed animals.

(Ah, the good old days.....)
plabonte Offline
#4 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 11:04 AM EST
Joined: 09-11-2000
Posts: 2,131
Have to concur with Spiny on this one.
eleltea Offline
#5 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 11:47 AM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
I agree with Steve and Spiny.
eleltea Offline
#6 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 11:48 AM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/meanings/95100.html
xibbumbero Offline
#7 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 11:50 AM EST
Joined: 01-25-2002
Posts: 12,535
I don't agree with LLT,I believe Mr. Bill Clinton coined this phrase. X
CulleyJC52 Offline
#8 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 1:58 PM EST
Joined: 09-25-2002
Posts: 369
That's what she said
CulleyJC52 Offline
#9 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 1:58 PM EST
Joined: 09-25-2002
Posts: 369
or, did Billy say that to Monica
eleltea Offline
#10 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 2:48 PM EST
Joined: 03-03-2002
Posts: 4,562
I agree with X and Culley.
SteveS Offline
#11 Posted: Wed, Dec 18 2002, 6:10 PM EST
Joined: 01-13-2002
Posts: 8,751
GROUP HUG!!!!!!!
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