Close, but no cigar.

Expression: "Close, but no cigar."

Meaning: Traditions of celebrating victory involve opening up bottles of champagne, smoking cigars, and much more. If you almost win something but do not, that moment to drink champagne or smoke a cigar comes very close but does not actually happen. This expression has evolved to be used even when physical cigars are not present and, in fact, when no one present ever smokes cigars.

Example: After someone comes very close to winning something but does not, anyone says, "close, but no cigar."

The ball is in your court.

Expression: "The ball is in your court."

Meaning: Think of this like a basketball game in that the team with the ball decides what happens next. The defense tries to change that, of course, but the defense is still reacting to what the offense does. Even in the absence of a court and ball, this expression has evolved to mean that whatever happens next is the other person's or group's decision.

Example: "I have offered you a good discount on this car you've always wanted, so now the ball is in your court."

Go out on a limb.

Expression: "Go out on a limb."

Meaning: Think of this like climbing up a tree and going out on one of its limbs to rescue a cat. The limbs are weaker than the trunk, so going out on a limb adds the risk of the limb breaking under your weight. If the limb breaks, depending on your height off the ground and how you fall, you may suffer injuries or even death. Over time, this expression has evolved to mean taking a risk, even when an actual tree is not involved.

Example: "I have been unemployed for a long time. My friend went out on a limb for me and recommended me for a job."