Spitting Distance

Pronunciation: /ˈspɪtɪŋ ˈdɪstəns/

Definitions of spitting distance

noun a short distance that can be easily reached by spitting, typically used to indicate a very close proximity

Example Sentences

A1 The grocery store is within spitting distance of my house.

A2 The park is just a spitting distance away from the library.

B1 The hotel is located within spitting distance of the beach.

B2 The restaurant is within spitting distance of the train station.

C1 The office building is within spitting distance of the shopping mall.

C2 The theater is just a spitting distance away from the art museum.

Examples of spitting distance in a Sentence

formal The two buildings were within spitting distance of each other.

informal The grocery store is just a stone's throw away, practically spitting distance.

slang I can't believe we found parking in spitting distance of the concert venue!

figurative The deadline for the project is looming, we are in spitting distance of completion.

Grammatical Forms of spitting distance

• past tense: spat
• plural: spitting distances
• comparative: closer distance for spitting
• superlative: closest distance for spitting
• present tense: spit
• future tense: will spit
• perfect tense: have spat
• continuous tense: spitting
• singular: spitting distance
• positive degree: spitting distance
• infinitive: to spit
• gerund: spitting
• participle: spat

Origin and Evolution of spitting distance

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'spitting distance' is believed to have originated from the idea of being close enough to spit on something or someone as a measure of proximity.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'spitting distance' has evolved to simply mean a very short distance away, without the literal act of spitting being involved.