"Close but no cigar" is an idiom that means almost achieving something but falling short. There are many synonyms for this phrase that can be used to convey the same message. Some popular alternatives to "close but no cigar" include "near miss," "just shy," "almost there," "fell short," "missed the mark," "not quite," and "nearly succeeded." These phrases can be used interchangeably depending on the situation and context. Ultimately, all of these phrases imply that an individual was close to achieving a goal but ultimately didn't quite make it. So, whether it's a sports event or a work project, these expressions can be used to show someone's effort and ambition, even if they didn't quite succeed.