spitting distance

Related to spitting distance: in stride, on the back burner

spitting distance

Close proximity or a short distance, as to or away from some desired thing, person, goal, or objective. Used especially in the phrase "in/within spitting distance." A victory was within spitting distance for the home team, but a late penalty kick robbed them of their prize. My grandmother's house is rather old and a bit spooky, but it's in spitting distance of the ocean, so it was always a favorite summer destination when we were kids.
See also: distance, spit
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

spitting distance

A very short distance, as in We were in spitting distance of winning the pennant but then we lost three games in a row . Alluding to the relatively short distance over which one's spit will carry, this idiom was first recorded in 1895 as within spitting range.
See also: distance, spit
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • striking distance
  • within spitting distance
  • within spitting distance (of someone or something)
  • in spitting distance (of someone or something)
  • within striking distance (of someone or something)
  • in striking distance (of someone or something)
  • range
  • at close range
  • at point-blank range
  • (you) can't win them all
References in periodicals archive
Rangers are now within spitting distance of the title and, for the sake of those in the away end, I just hope Henrik Larsson isn't within spitting distance of them.
Football: Doubts nag at Celts
But try and get a signal within spitting distance of the M25?
TV IRELAND: SOAPWATCH 1 EASTENDERS RTE1, 8pm
"I grew up within spitting distance of St James' Park so I was never going to support anyone else."
Over the Toon with card from Shearer
Spitting Distance is a black comedy about a young man torn between staying in his home town or moving away in pursuit of his dreams.
PICK OF THE BOX; How it all began for comedy's best buddies
In Stockholm Tim Henman, now within spitting distance of a place in the Tour finals in Hanover later this month, looks a good thing at 4-9 to extend his career lead to 5-0 over local boy Magnus Gustafsson.
Tennis: Henman can lead home favourites four-timer
The gig felt intimate in the small venue and I suspect it will be the last time Damien Rice will be in spitting distance of his fans.
Superb set from Damien
Veteran actor Tom Bell, 66, is to star as an ailing grandfather in Spitting Distance, a new short film from BBC Scotland.
How Di's date changed lives
Muddle's mood could only be guessed at last night, but Prosser suggested it would be unwise to come within spitting distance when he returns for Wolverhampton's fixture on Monday.
Southwell fury at lost Sunday; BHB under fire after late switch of fixtures
Even Carly has turned into a honking harpy, over-acting madly whenever Shirley comes in spitting distance.
TV IRELAND: SOAPWATCH EASTENDERS BBC1, 8pm
They roamed the streets, drinking, smoking, taking drugs and harassing anyone within spitting distance.
CRAZED CURFEW KIDS STONE Daily Record MEN; Thugs say they'll take on cops
Williamson was born in Liverpool of Scottish parents and was raised within spitting distance of Anfield.
Shire horse; CLUB TURN TO ANGUS WHEN JOB NEEDS DONE
Host Michael Parkinson, said: "It is not just that the BBC is the best, it is incomparably the best and there is nothing within spitting distance of it."
SIXTY OF THE BEST!
In the rain-soaked middle of the capital, within spitting distance of the parliament, stands one forlorn soul handing out leaflets.
ON THE ROAD; Ron Mackenna witnesses campaign apathy on the doorstep of Scotland's Parliament
"That happened when we went around the track, so this time we'll be going round the pitch from 2.15 and during half- time - more within pie-throwing distance than spitting distance!
Ears a sound idea
For him it is enough to be within spitting distance of the Dons ancestral home where he shared the throne with Briggs.
Speedway: TAPES GO UP ON NEW DONS ERA