spitting distance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Informal, colloquial. Often humorous or vivid.
Quick answer
What does “spitting distance” mean?
A very short physical distance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very short physical distance; close enough to be reached easily.
Used figuratively to indicate that two states, outcomes, or conditions are very close or nearly equivalent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. The phrase is common and understood in both varieties. British English may more frequently use the variant "spit and a stride" or "spitting distance of."
Connotations
Equally informal and vivid in both. Slight potential for the literal image to be seen as crude by some, but generally accepted.
Frequency
Moderately common in both. Possibly slightly more frequent in British English as a colourful idiom.
Grammar
How to Use “spitting distance” in a Sentence
[Subject] is/was within spitting distance of [Object/Place].[Place] is within spitting distance.We live within spitting distance.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spitting distance” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The station is spitting-distance close, so I always walk.
American English
- He lives spitting-distance near the campus.
adjective
British English
- It's a spitting-distance commute, which is brilliant.
American English
- We looked at a spitting-distance location for the new office.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal use only, e.g., 'Our revenue is within spitting distance of our quarterly target.'
Academic
Very rare. Would be considered too informal for scholarly writing.
Everyday
Common in spoken descriptions of location, e.g., 'The pub is within spitting distance of my flat.'
Technical
Not used. Precise measurements are required.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spitting distance”
- *'in spitting distance' (use 'within').
- Using it in formal writing.
- Thinking it implies something is dirty or unpleasant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a standard, if informal, idiom. While it references spit, it is not generally considered offensive or crude in everyday conversation.
Yes, figuratively. It's commonly used to mean 'very close to achieving something,' e.g., 'She finished within spitting distance of first place.'
The standard and almost exclusive preposition is 'within,' as in 'within spitting distance of.'
They are very similar. 'Shouting distance' might imply a slightly greater distance (where you could be heard), while 'spitting distance' emphasizes extreme closeness. They are often interchangeable.
A very short physical distance.
Spitting distance is usually informal, colloquial. often humorous or vivid. in register.
Spitting distance: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɪt.ɪŋ ˌdɪs.təns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɪt̬.ɪŋ ˌdɪs.təns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “within spitting distance”
- “a stone's throw away”
- “within shouting distance”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine trying to spit a watermelon seed to mark a finish line. 'Spitting distance' is about that close.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROXIMITY IS WITHIN RANGE OF A BODILY FLUID (spit). ABSTRACT NEARNESS IS PHYSICAL NEARNESS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most natural way to complete this sentence? 'We chose the flat because it's...'