The idiom "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" is a common saying in the English language. Its core meaning is that in most situations, merely being close to success isn't good enough, and you must actually achieve your goal for it to count.

In short:

"Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" refers to the idea that almost accomplishing something is not the same as actually accomplishing it.

What Does "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" Mean?

The idiom "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" carries a sense of strict accuracy and the crucial difference between almost and actually succeeding. It suggests that "almost" is not good enough in most circumstances. Consequently, the saying underscores the idea that precision, full achievement, and accuracy are vital in most areas of life.

• In horseshoes, a close throw can still score points
• In the case of hand grenades, a near miss can still have an impact due to the explosion
• In most other contexts, however, being close to success without achieving it is equivalent to failure

Where Does "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" Come From?

The idiom "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" is a playful expression that highlights the importance of achieving the desired outcome or goal rather than coming close but ultimately falling short. It suggests that being close to success is not enough; one must actually achieve it. The exact origin of this idiom is unclear, as idioms often develop organically over time. However, it is believed to have originated in the United States during the mid-20th century. 

Historical Example

"Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, but our aim is to win."

- Sports Illustrated, basketball coach John Wooden, 1975

"Being close to a compromise might work in horseshoes and hand grenades, but it won't solve our country's financial problems."

-The New York Times, 1982

10 Examples of "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how this idiom is used in sentences:

• He decided to take a peek at the horseshoes game but soon realized that close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• They nearly won the championship, but remember, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• Well, it seems like the seller had set the price for the antique vase, but the buyer's offer was close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• I nearly finished the project on time, but in our business, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• She almost got the role, but in Hollywood, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• The team was close to victory, but in sports, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• He narrowly missed the target with his throw, but as they say, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades; it was a fly by.
• I was close to winning the lottery, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• She nearly secured the deal, but in business, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• I didn't hit the target, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, and neither do I.

Examples of "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" in Pop Culture

This idiom also appears in pop culture, such as in songs, films, and TV shows.

Here are a few examples:

• The band Green Day has a song titled "Horseshoes and Handgrenades" on their album "21st Century Breakdown."
• In the film Clue (1985), the character Wadsworth says, "Close doesn't count," to which Colonel Mustard replies, "Well, it does in horseshoes and hand grenades."
• The TV show M*A*S*H features a scene where the character Hawkeye states, "Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades."
• It is the title of an episode in the series "Walker, Texas Ranger."
• In the series 'Third Watch, the phrase is used in an episode titled "Goodbye to All That."
• In the animated film Toy Story 3, Woody warns Buzz Lightyear not to take any risks during their escape plan: "Buzz, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. We need to be careful."
• In an episode of The Big Bang Theory, Sheldon complains about repeatedly getting second place in various competitions: "I'm tired of this 'close but no cigar' situation. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades!"
• In a scene from the TV series Grey's Anatomy, Dr. Bailey advises a surgical intern who almost succeeded in saving a patient's life but failed at the last moment: "Remember, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades; it doesn't count in medicine."
• In the movie Ocean's Eleven, Danny Ocean explains his plan to rob three Las Vegas casinos simultaneously, saying, "We need to be precise; close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades."
• In the video game Mass Effect 2, the character Zaeed Massani uses the phrase.
• It is the title of a track by the band Relient K on the album "Five Score and Seven Years Ago."

Other Ways to Say "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" in Sentences

Several alternative expressions convey a similar meaning: "Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades."

Some of these include:

• Almost doesn't count except in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• Being near is no good unless it's horseshoes or hand grenades.
• A near miss is still a miss, except in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• Close is good enough only in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• Close, but no cigar, unless you're playing horseshoes or throwing hand grenades.
• It's not good enough to be close unless you're playing horseshoes or in a war zone.
• Being almost right is not the same as being correct, except in horseshoes and hand grenades.
• Nearly winning is the same as winning if it's horseshoes or hand grenades.
• A miss is as good as a mile unless you're playing horseshoes or throwing hand grenades.
• Close only matters in horseshoes and hand grenades.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades"

• What does the idiom "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" mean?

This idiom means that in most circumstances, merely being close to success is not enough. You must actually achieve your goal for it to count.

• Where did the idiom "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" come from?

It's believed to have originated in mid-20th century America, likely influenced by the popular game of horseshoes and the military context of hand grenades.

• Can "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" be used in everyday conversation?

Yes, it can be used in everyday conversation to express the idea that almost accomplishing something is not the same as actually achieving it.

• Is "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" a negative saying?

It can be seen as a call to strive for actual success rather than settling for near misses, so it's not necessarily negative but more motivational.

• Can "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" be used in a professional context?

Yes, it can be used in a professional context to highlight the importance of precision and full achievement.

• Why are horseshoes and hand grenades used in the idiom?

Horseshoes and hand grenades are used in the idiom because they are two scenarios where being close counts – in horseshoes because of the scoring system, and in hand grenades because of the explosion radius.

• Is this idiom used globally?

While it is common in English-speaking countries, it's not necessarily used globally due to cultural differences and the specific references to horseshoes and hand grenades.

• Can I use a variant of this idiom?

Yes, there are many variants to this idiom, such as "Almost doesn't count except in horseshoes and hand grenades."

• How often is "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades" used in pop culture?

The idiom is used quite often in pop culture, appearing in songs, films, TV shows, and video games.

• What's the best situation to use the idiom "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades"?

The best situation to use this idiom would be when trying to emphasize the importance of not settling for near successes but instead striving for full achievement.

Final Thoughts About "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades"

The idiom “Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades” signifies that coming close to achieving a goal or target is insufficient; only a definitive accomplishment matters. This phrase originated from the idea that being near the target when throwing a horseshoe or hand grenade does not count as success, as accuracy is crucial in these situations.

Key aspects of the phrase "Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades": 

• Close proximity to the goal or target is not sufficient for success.
• Accurate execution is crucial to achieving an intended outcome.
• Merely being close to achieving something does not hold value; actual achievement is what matters.