within

be within an ace of something/doing something

come within an ace of something/doing something - to almost achieve something. Her ambition to star in a musical is within an ace of being (= is almost) fulfilled following talks with a West End producer.

See also: ace

beat someone to within an inch of their life

to attack someone so violently that they almost die. She was beaten to within an inch of her life on a back street in London.

See also: beat, inch, life

come within a whisker of something/doing something

if you come within a whisker of doing something, you almost do it or it almost happens to you. He came within a whisker of beating the world champion. Several times on his trek through the jungle he came within a whisker of death.

See also: come, whisker

come within an ace of something/doing something

to almost achieve something. Linford Christie came within an ace of the world indoor record for the 100m last night.

See also: ace, come

come within an inch of doing something

to very nearly do something, especially something dangerous or exciting. I came within an inch of losing my life on the rocks below.

See also: come, inch

in/within living memory

events or situations in living memory can be remembered by people who are alive now. Areas of southern Italy are experiencing some of the worst storms in living memory. (= the worst storms that people can remember) Some of these houses still had outside toilets within living memory.

See also: living, memory

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

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within a whisker of something

close to something. Yesterday, the price of oil came within a whisker of its all-time high. An asteroid came within a whisker of crashing into the earth.

See also: whisker

within an inch of your/its life

nearly completely. Caroline hoped the information she had would frighten Mr. Mott within an inch of his life.

See also: inch, life

within your means

without spending more than the money you have. We need to reduce spending and live within our means.

beyond your means

See also: mean

within reach

almost possible or available. Everyone says agreement is within reach, but it's hard to believe. The price for the house was almost within reach, but a bit more than they could afford.

for the taking

See also: reach

within reason

to the degree that good judgment would allow. With a good exercise program, you can eat anything you want, within reason, and not gain weight.

See also: reason

within striking distance (of something)

1. very close to something. The great thing about the house is that the ocean is within striking distance.

2. very close to achieving something. The Republicans are within striking distance of winning the election.

See also: distance, striking