horseshoes and handgrenades 

The only time/s that almost actually counts.

Mark: "I almost beat that guy!"
John: "Almost only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades."

horseshoes and handgrenades by DefinitionsR'Us March 31, 2008

horseshoes and hand grenades

a phrase generally used in the armed forces meaning good luck (horseshoes) and may you have plenty of ammo. (hand grenades. )

Man #1: Get ready for battle. Horseshoes and hand grenades!
Man #2: You too!

horseshoes and hand grenades by helpymcgee1371 March 10, 2011

horseshoes, hand grenades, and nuclear war 

Even though you missed it by a tiny amount, you still didn't get there.

A time when there is no positive effect, or will be no positive effects, because of your actions".

With horseshoes, hand grenades, and nuclear war, you can miss your target, or goal, but still have some positive effect.

Luke : "Are you ready to go? We have to get to the airport, NOW!"
Chris :"I'm close"
Luke : "Close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades, and nuclear war".

Zach : "I was so close to getting that job"
Matt : "Yeah, but close only counts in horseshoes, hand grenades, and nuclear war".

horseshoes, hand grenades, and nuclear war by EdwardW266 May 2, 2011