I thought I had the answer to the quiz question, but it was close but no cigar
He almost won the race, finishing just a second behind the leader, but it was close but no cigar
The scientist was on the verge of a breakthrough, but the final result was close but no cigar
She tried to guess the number of jellybeans in the jar, and her guess was close but no cigar
We were hoping to get a refund, but the store's policy meant it was close but no cigar
The team played well, but ultimately lost the championship game; it was close but no cigar
I almost succeeded in fixing the computer myself, but it was close but no cigar
The magician almost made the rabbit disappear, but it was close but no cigar
He felt he had nailed the interview, but the job offer didn't materialize; it was close but no cigar
She thought she'd found the perfect gift, but the recipient already had one, so it was close but no cigar
I think I solved the puzzle!
You were close, but no cigar. Try again.
Oh, I see the missing piece now.
You almost got it, but it was close but no cigar
You were very near to success, but missed it
So close to winning, yet you didn't quite make it