in spitting distance (of someone or something)

In close proximity to or a short distance away from some desired thing, person, goal, or objective. A victory was in spitting distance, but a last penalty kick robbed them of their prize. My grandmother's house is rather old and a bit spooky, but since it is in spitting distance of the ocean, it was always a favorite summer destination when we were kids. I was in spitting distance of passing the class—that is, until I bombed the last test.