Definition
近在咫尺 is a four-character idiom meaning 'very close, within arm's reach'. It literally refers to the ancient units of length 咫 (8 inches) and 尺 (a foot), emphasizing that something is physically or metaphorically extremely near. You can use it for both physical distance (e.g., a place nearby) and abstract proximity (e.g., success or a deadline).
idiom
within easy reachvery close (physically or metaphorically)
Examples
- 近在咫尺，。Wǒ jiā lí gōngsī jìn zài zhǐ chǐ, zǒulù jiù néng dào.My home is very close to the office; I can walk there.
- 近在咫尺，！Shènglì yǐjīng jìn zài zhǐ chǐ, dàjiā zài jiā bǎ jìn!Victory is within reach; everyone, work a little harder!
- 近在咫尺，？Kǎoshì rìqī jìn zài zhǐ chǐ, nǐ zhǔnbèi hǎo le ma?The exam date is very near; are you ready?
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