How to Pronounce "close enough for government work"
expression
KLOHS i-NUHF fur GUHV-ern-muhnt WURK
KLOHZ in-UHF fuh GUHV-uhn-muhnt WURK
Definition
This expression means something is not perfect but good enough for what is needed, often used with a sense of humor or mild criticism about low standards.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈkɫoʊs/, /ˈkɫoʊz/ /iˈnəf/, /ɪˈnəf/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈɡəvɝmənt/, /ˈɡəvɝnmənt/ /ˈwɝk
British English
kləʊz/ /ɪnˈʌf/ /fˈɔː/ /ɡˈʌvənmənt/ /wˈɜːk
Simplified Pronunciation
US
KLOHS i-NUHF fur GUHV-ern-muhnt WURK
UK
KLOHZ in-UHF fuh GUHV-uhn-muhnt WURK
Listen in Context
It's not perfect, but it's close enough for government work.
My measurements are close enough for government work.
The paint isn’t even, but it’s close enough for government work.
Just tape it together—it’s close enough for government work.