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Freeman's English language questions thread 
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Emperor
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Does "nice try" actually mean something like "well done"?

Or it is referring to a "well done try" implying that it was just a try?

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Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:48 am
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Minor Diety
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It can just be the latter; that you say that somebody tried and that he or she did well.

But it's used more often sarcastically: when somebody does or tries something and fails at it, you will make fun of them by saying "nice try" (usually implying you could do it better than that).

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Wed Apr 18, 2007 5:52 am
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Thanks now and to anyone else who answer on my future questions.
Thank you.

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Wed Apr 18, 2007 6:12 am
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Felix Rex
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btw, I do use "nice try" in non-sarcastic ways. But yes, it typically denotes failure, at least in the English that I speak. :)

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Wed Apr 18, 2007 6:24 am
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Duke
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I use nice try as a combination of "I'm sorry you sucked" and "good effort, even though you sucked."


Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:12 am
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I think it originates from "nice try, better luck next time"

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Wed Apr 18, 2007 7:24 am
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