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a stone's throw

/ə ˈstoʊnz θroʊ/
phrase★Intermediate— very short distance
informal

a very short distance away

The beach is only a stone's throw from our hotel.

The beach is very close to our hotel.

The supermarket is a stone's throw away from the park.

The supermarket is very near the park.

💡

Used to describe proximity in a figurative or exaggerated sense, not a literal measurement.

Collocations

a stone's throw awayvery closejust a stone's throwvery near

Synonyms

very closenearbya short walkjust around the corner

Antonyms

far awaya long distancemiles away

Related Phrases

a hop, skip, and a jumpphrase
a very short distance
within walking distancephrase
close enough to walk to

💡Pro Tip

Avoid literal interpretation

This phrase is always figurative. Do not use it to describe an actual distance measured by throwing a stone.

⚡Gold Rule

Use for emphasis on proximity

Use 'a stone's throw' to emphasize how close something is, not to give an exact measurement.

📖Word Origin

The phrase dates back to the 16th century and refers to the distance a stone could be thrown by hand, historically considered a short distance.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in everyday speech to emphasize closeness. Avoid using it for literal distances, as it is figurative.

Word Breakdown

a
indefinite article
grammar
+
stone's
belonging to a stone
grammar (possessive)
+
throw
act of propelling something
noun
English Dictionary

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