spitting

be spitting in/into the wind (very informal)

to waste time trying to achieve something that cannot be achieved. The government is spitting in the wind if they think a few regulations will stop multinational companies from avoiding tax. Trying to get a pay increase here is like pissing in the wind.

See also: spit, wind

be the spitting image of someone

to look very much the same as someone else. He's the spitting image of his father.

See also: spit

in/within spitting distance

very close to something or someone. The great thing about the house is that it's within spitting distance of the sea. (often + of) The move to Ascot put us within striking distance of London.

See also: distance, spit, within