Close only counts in horseshoes

close only counts in horseshoes (and hand grenades)

proverb Being nearly successful or accurate is not the same as being successful or accurate; being close to achieving something does not provide any benefit. It doesn't matter that we only lost the game by two points—we still lost! And close only counts in horseshoes. A: "You should be proud that you came so close to being valedictorian." B: "Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades." Don't teach these kids that winning is all that matters and that close only counts in horseshoes. They should get to feel proud of their efforts, regardless of the outcome.

See also: close, count, hand, horseshoe

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

Close only counts in horseshoes (and hand grenades).

Prov. Coming close but not succeeding is not good enough. I came close to winning the election, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

See also: close, count, horseshoe

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.