So near and yet so far

usgb
phrase

To have been very close to achieving a goal but then fall short.

Alice practiced hard for the competition but was eliminated in the finals. It was a case of so near and yet so far for her.
Visual representation of "so near and yet so far" - To have been very close to achieving a goal but then fall short.

Often appears as...

  • missed by a whisker
  • a hair's breadth away

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "so near and yet so far"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

The phrase often symbolizes frustration of coming close to success but ultimately failing.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
He was two points from victory before losing the match—so near and yet so far.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Express Disappointment

Use it to express a sense of disappointment after not achieving a hard-fought goal.

Illustration for Express Disappointment
After studying for weeks and still not passing the test, it was so near and yet so far.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Dramatic Moments

It's especially powerful in describing moments where the outcome was almost changed.

Illustration for Dramatic Moments
The ball hit the post in the last second of the game—so near and yet so far from glory.
Visual representation of the word "So near and yet so far"

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