For the want of a neuron, the idea was lost.
For the want of an idea, the character was lost.
For the want of a character, the plot was lost.
For the want of a plot, the story was lost.
For the want of a story, the novel was lost.
For the want of a novel, the Nobel Prize was lost.
I was this close to the Nobel Prize for Literature, all for the want of a neuron. But, in my defence, it was a damned fine glass of wine!