proverb · Words worth keeping
A miss is as good as a mile.
A miss is as good as a mile.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
When a result depends on meeting a definite target, narrowly missing it still leaves that target unmet. The saying distinguishes success from closeness, while allowing partial progress and effort to have value for other purposes.
Example
A submission arrives just after the announced deadline; its author recognises the missed condition while keeping the completed work ready for another appropriate opportunity.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The proverb treats a small miss and a large miss alike with respect to the target. A useful reading identifies which requirement has a clear threshold: if a needed condition is absent, almost meeting it may not supply the result. That does not make every degree of progress equivalent. A close attempt may reveal what to adjust, and work already done can help another attempt. The saying is therefore best used for a specific criterion rather than as a judgement on a person or the whole undertaking. State what remains unmet and what useful information the attempt still provides.
When to use it
Use it when closeness is being confused with meeting a specific requirement.
Keep in mind
Thresholds need to be clear and appropriate; partial progress can still matter beyond that criterion.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English