striking distance
9
5.1
- noun
- /ˈstraɪkɪŋ ˈdɪstəns/
:
distancia de alcance
- With Romney down by 4 and in striking distance, he could theoretically shift the race back in his favor.
And I and I really fundamentally believe that we're within striking distance to making a dent in human aging.
- And I and I really fundamentally believe that we're within striking distance to making a dent in human aging.
Examples
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If we can find these markers, we're in striking distance of finding our gene.
-
They took up residence at Stoke Court, near Stoke Poges in Buckinghamshire, within striking distance of London.
Academic text (2012) -
You must be within striking distance from them each and every second.
-
Four, five towns within easy striking distance.
-
Thus, neither Britain nor the United States had a base within striking distance of Japan.
Academic text (2004) -
With a reasonable base turnout in 2010, we could have been within striking distance of taking back the House this year.
Blog text (22) -
With so many interesting European cities within striking distance, overlooking Frankfurt is an easy mistake to make.
Blog text (2) -
The tribesmen overran large areas of the state and were within striking distance of Srinagar.
Academic text (1995) -
As Evan said, the Rangers will play hard—the A's are within striking distance for the division.
Blog text (30) -
After months of preparation, her team was finally within striking distance of winning the championship.
Synonyms
25
3.5
Very near to someone or something at a short distance
How Close
9
5.1
20
2.8
240
1.0
38
4.0
241
1.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The sense 'close enough to reach or achieve something' is not directly derived from the adjective 'striking' (noticeable) combined with 'distance' (space). The idiom actually rests on the verb 'strike' (to hit/reach) and a metaphorical sense of range, so learners who only know the literal adjective meaning will likely be puzzled; the relation is partially inferable for learners familiar with 'strike' or similar attack/reach metaphors but still requires prior exposure.
Etymology
Striking distance comes from old fighting language. When someone was close enough to hit another person, that was 'to strike', and they were in striking distance, so today it means being near enough to reach or achieve something like a goal.