The phrase "come a close" generally means to nearly achieve or succeed at a given task. It is often associated with sports and competitions where the outcome is not guaranteed until the very end. In terms of antonyms, there are several ways to express the opposite meaning. Instead of "come a close," one can say "fall short," "miss the mark," or "come up empty." These phrases convey a sense of disappointment or failure, as opposed to the tension and excitement of a close finish. Other antonyms for "come a close" include "blowout," "runaway," or "landslide," which suggest a dominant victory with little drama or uncertainty.