English / proverb
Almost Only Counts in Horseshoes and Hand Grenades
MEANING IN ENGLISH
Proximity or being nearly right is acceptable only in games like horseshoes or with explosive weapons; in real life tasks, total success is required
In context
01
The surgeon reminded the interns that almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, so total precision was vital.
02
Our relief convoy narrowly missed delivering rations before nightfall; remember, almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
Synonyms
close is not enough,near misses do not count,precision is essential
Antonyms
close enough is fine,good enough,partial success counts
Collocations
warn that almost only counts in horseshoes,remember almost only counts in horseshoes,quip that almost only counts