this side of (something)
1. Just short or shy of; nearly or verging on. While the governor's actions are this side of criminal, voters are demanding he nevertheless resign in the wake of the scandal. He's this side of 40, and he still doesn't have a proper job. What has he been doing with his life? They specialize in tax arrangements that are this side of illegal.
2. Immediately before or prior to (a given time, date, age, etc.). It will be this side of midnight by the time we get home. The mother of two was just this side of thirty when she was killed by cancer.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.