within hearing distance

within hearing distance

Close enough to clearly hear what someone says or does. They didn't realize I was within hearing distance when they were discussing my performance in school. Let's step outside—I don't want to fight while they're within hearing distance.
See also: distance, hearing, within
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in/within (somebody’s) ˈhearing

near enough to somebody so that they can hear what is said: She shouldn’t have said such things in your hearing.
See also: hearing, within
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • in hearing distance
  • in/within hearing
  • come within earshot
  • earshot
  • in earshot
  • give (one's) ear (to someone)
  • give ear to
  • Voldemorting
  • name no names
  • chime in
References in classic literature
I glanced around to see that no one was within hearing distance.
The fact was that the telephone had brought within hearing distance a new wonder- world of sound.
Looking further than football, it will be a great stadium to hold concerts, as nobody lives within hearing distance, but yet again how to get people there and away safely.
The mother, who was within hearing distance, frowned and butted in: "How could that happen?
Within hearing distance of the vice president, the president would even extol the competence and readiness of former senator Bongbong Marcos, and admire the qualifications of Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, who both ran against VP Leni.
One recurring joke here is someone (usually Pete and Ellie) discussing someone else within hearing distance of that person, the joke being when the person comes over and says 'I can hear you, you know'.
The Observer said: "The district is a very lonely one and it was fortunate that Sgt Cowie was within hearing distance when the accident occurred."
"Don't shove your child in another room with a device, make sure you're within hearing distance," she said.
Praise them within hearing distance and behind their backs.
Domestic Abuse/Anti-Social Behaviour, doesn't just affect the victims but affects all those living within hearing distance, adults and children alike.
In an eyewitness account given to the Commission on Human Rights, the late Wahida Kasim said she was within hearing distance of a ranking navy officer, who was apparently arguing over two-way radio with a fellow officer, telling the other officer that the order was 'leave no one alive there.'
It is easier (but not wiser) to pretend that all is well, wrap everything up, and try to forget that the whole thing happened--but that seed of dissatisfaction will grow as the frame hangs on the client's wall, and that client will become a former client, spreading the word to every friend and acquaintance within hearing distance. Keep your customers happy, and you'll find that word of mouth will build your business better than any paid advertising.
"Tom was very passionate about his work and was a great storyteller, engaging everyone within hearing distance," recalled BLS Director of Marketing Penny Portner.
Then, even within hearing distance of Carver and his teammates, not to mention officials who had made his lucrative move to Toronto possible, he said: "I loved it so much I would love to go back and play for them."