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distance
distance (oneself) from (someone or something)
To limit engagement or association (or the appearance thereof) between oneself and someone or something. Politicians have been quick to distance themselves from the senator ever since news of her drug scandal broke. The company, trying to build up its environmentally-friendly image, has been distancing itself from its past connections to the oil industry.
striking 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 striking distance." A World Cup victory was within striking distance for Germany, but a last penalty kick robbed them of their prize. My grandmother's house is rather old and a bit spooky, but as it is in striking distance of the sea, it was always a favorite summer destination when we were kids.
in striking distance (of someone or something)
In close proximity to or a short distance away from some desired thing, person, goal, or objective. A World Cup victory was in striking distance for Germany, but a last penalty kick robbed them of their prize. My grandmother's house is rather old and a bit spooky, but as it is in striking distance of the sea, it was always a favorite summer destination when we were kids.
stay the distance
1. To persevere with as much determination, energy, or fortitude as one can muster through to the end of a race, competition, or contest. Despite an early setback in the first half, the American team stayed the distance and managed to earn a draw at the end of the match.
2. To continue attempting or pursuing something difficult to its end or conclusion. If you can't stay the distance when things get a bit messy, then you just aren't cut out for this line of work.
Distance lends enchantment (to the view).
Prov. Things that are far away from you appear better than they really are. Jill: High school was the happiest time of my life. Jane: But that was fifteen years ago. I think distance lends enchantment to the view.
go the distance
Fig. to do the whole amount; to play the entire game; to run the whole race. (Originally sports use.) That horse runs fast. I hope it can go the distance. This is going to be a long, hard project. I hope I can go the distance.
keep one's distance (from someone or something)
Fig. to maintain a respectful or cautious distance from someone or something. Keep your distance from John. He's in a bad mood. Keep your distance from the fire.
keep someone or something at a distance
to retain some amount of physical distance from someone or something. Please try to keep Tom at a distance. He just gets in the way. I wanted to keep the smelly plant at a distance.
put some distance between (someone and oneself or something)
to move or travel away from someone or something. Jill and I aren't getting along. I need to put some distance between her and me. I drove fast to put some distance between Max and me.
within hailing distance
and within calling distance; within shouting distanceclose enough to hear someone call out. When the boat came within hailing distance, I asked if I could borrow some gasoline. We weren't within shouting distance, so I couldn't hear what you said to me.
within walking distance
close enough to walk to. is the train station within walking distance? My office is within walking distance from here.
go the distance
to continue doing something until it is successfully completed The pitcher went the distance and has now won eight games in a row. The project would be difficult, but I agreed I would go the distance.
keep your distance (from somebody/something)
to avoid becoming too friendly or emotionally involved with someone I've seen her around the office, but she keeps her distance from most of us. The boy carefully kept his distance from the growling dog.
Related vocabulary: keep somebody/something at arm's lengthwithin striking distance (of something)
also in striking distance (of something)1. very close to something The great thing about the house is that the ocean is within striking distance.
2. very close to achieving something The Republicans are within striking distance of winning the election.
Usage notes: sometimes used in the less polite but stronger form within spitting distance of something (very near): They live within spitting distance of my house, but luckily I don't see them much.
go the (full) distance
to continue to do something until it is successfully completed It's a really tough course - I'm just worried that I won't be able to go the distance.
in/within spitting distance
also in/within striking distance very close to something or someone (often + of ) The great thing about the house is that it's within spitting distance of the sea. The move to Ascot put us within striking distance of London.
go the distance
Carry through a course of action to completion. For example,
He said he's willing to go the distance with this project. This expression originated in boxing, where it means "to last for all the rounds that have been scheduled." In baseball the same term means "to pitch an entire game." For a synonym, see
all the way, def. 1.
keep one's distance
Stay away; also, remain emotionally remote. For example, It's wise to keep one's distance from any wild animal, or Since the family argued with him, Harry's been keeping his distance. [Late 1500s]
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.
put some distance between someone and someone/something
tv. to lengthen the distance or time between oneself and someone or something (including a place). She needed enough money to put some distance between herself and her hometown.
within spitting distance
mod. close by. The house you’re looking for is within spitting distance, but it’s hard to find.
Common Names:
| Name | Gender | Pronounced | Usage |
|---|
| Luuk | | LUYK | Dutch |
| Vilhelm | | VEEL-helm (Finnish) | Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Hungarian |
| Arto | | AHR-to | Finnish |
| Theutrich | | - | Ancient Germanic |
| Aengus | | - | Irish |
| Leonidas | | - | Greek, Ancient Greek |