hailing distance
C1Informal, somewhat literary
Definition
Meaning
A very short distance, typically within the range of a person's voice for calling out.
Used figuratively to describe being very close to achieving something, or to describe two places being very near to each other.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in the prepositional phrase 'within hailing distance' or 'in hailing distance'. Its use is often metaphorical, implying nearness to a goal or state, not just physical proximity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, but understood in both varieties. No significant lexical or syntactic differences.
Connotations
Carries a slightly nautical or old-fashioned literary connotation, as 'hail' in this sense relates to calling out to a ship or person.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but may appear in more descriptive or literary contexts (e.g., journalism, novels).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be/come/keep/stay] within hailing distance (of NP)[be] in hailing distance (of NP)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “within hailing distance of victory/success/a deal”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"After weeks of negotiation, we are finally within hailing distance of a merger agreement."
Academic
Rare, but possible in historical or literary analysis: "The two opposing encampments were within hailing distance, enabling parley."
Everyday
"Luckily, the pub is within hailing distance of our hotel if it rains."
Technical
Not typically used in technical registers.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (N/A - 'hailing' in this phrase is a gerund, not a main verb)
American English
- (N/A - 'hailing' in this phrase is a gerund, not a main verb)
adverb
British English
- (N/A - not used adverbially)
American English
- (N/A - not used adverbially)
adjective
British English
- (N/A - not used attributively)
American English
- (N/A - not used attributively)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friend's new flat is within hailing distance of the university.
- Keep the children within hailing distance so you can find them easily.
- After the successful product launch, the startup is within hailing distance of becoming profitable.
- The two villages are in hailing distance of each other, separated only by a small stream.
- The negotiators, having bridged their major differences, now find themselves within hailing distance of a historic peace treaty.
- His revised manuscript is within hailing distance of publication, needing only a final proofread.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine trying to HAIL a taxi. You need to be close enough for the driver to hear you. 'Hailing distance' is that close range.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL PROXIMITY IS BEING WITHIN COMMUNICATION RANGE (extended to abstract goals).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque like *'дистанция оклика'*. Use 'на расстоянии вытянутой руки', 'подать голос', 'в двух шагах', or 'рукой подать'.
- The English phrase is idiomatic; the Russian equivalent is often more concrete (e.g., 'рукой подать').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hailing' as an adjective alone (e.g., *'a hailing distance house'*). It is only used in the prepositional phrase.
- Confusing with 'hail' meaning frozen rain.
- Using it for measurable distances (e.g., *'The shops are a hailing distance of 500 metres.'*). It is qualitative, not quantitative.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most natural context for using 'within hailing distance'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not very common in everyday speech. It is more likely to be found in writing, especially in journalism or literature, to add colour.
No, it is an idiomatic and somewhat vague measure. It suggests 'close enough to call out to', not a specific number of metres or feet.
They are very close synonyms. 'Hailing distance' can sound slightly more literary or old-fashioned, while 'shouting distance' is more common in modern informal American English.
Yes, it's the same verb 'to hail', meaning to call out to or greet. 'Hailing a taxi' originally meant calling out to one.