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.

fall on a/the grenade

1. Literally, to cover a live hand grenade with one's body in order to save the lives of others. The marine, who miraculously survived falling on a grenade to save the members of her squad, is being awarded the Medal of Honor today. At first, you don't think you could fall on a grenade for complete strangers, but that all changes once you're on the battlefield together. The soldier who saved her entire unit by falling on the grenade is going to be recognized posthumously for her bravery.

2. By extension, to accept or put oneself in the way of some misfortune, difficulty, blame, or danger as a means of protecting someone else. I don't know why you always feel like you have to fall on the grenade for your bosses when they screw up. It's not like they ever reward your loyalty. A job in upper management brings a lot of benefits, but be aware that you'll be expected to fall on a grenade if anything ever threatens the company. I know the expectation is that I'll just fall on the grenade for the good of the department, but no! I will not take the blame for something I did not do!

jump on a/the grenade

1. Literally, to cover a live hand grenade with one's body in order to save the lives of others. The marine, who miraculously survived jumping on a grenade to save the members of her squad, is being awarded the Medal of Honor today.

2. By extension, to accept or put oneself in the way of some misfortune, difficulty, blame, or danger as a means of protecting someone else. I don't know why you always feel like you have to jump on the grenade for your bosses when they screw up. It's not like they ever reward your loyalty. A job in upper management brings a lot of benefits, but be aware that you'll be expected to jump on a grenade if anything ever threatens the company.