almost doesn't count

almost doesn't count

Nearly doing something is not the same as actually doing it. A: "Come on Mom, I almost cleaned my whole room!" B: "I asked you to clean your room this weekend before company comes, and almost doesn't count!"
See also: almost, count
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • What does (someone) think (someone) is doing?
  • be on the edge of (something)
  • teeter
  • teeter on the brink
  • teeter on the brink of (something)
  • teeter on the brink/edge of something
  • teeter on the edge of (something)
  • today
  • Are you doing anything (on a particular day)?
  • on the edge of (something)
References in periodicals archive
Lemieux (below) has lost only once in the past five years and that almost doesn't count since it was against Gennady Golovkin.
Canadian trip is a real risk for Saunders
The lone win during this two-month slide came against the Oakland Raiders, meaning it almost doesn't count.
Patriots, Jets have done an about-face
Andrew: Almost doesn't count. I know that all those fine gentlemen and ladies of high birth and privilege look down on me.
Muddy boots! In 1829, Andrew Jackson became the first President not born into wealth and privilege
The last hit primetime series that took place in an earlier time is "That '70s Show," which almost doesn't count because its jazzed-up style is as contemporary as any topical sitcom.
Y2K bug hits TV's key demo
BRANDY: Almost Doesn't Count (Atlantic) - She nearly melted the Albert Hall last week but reckons she can't find a man.
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