within listening distance (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Phrase

Phonetic Transcription

/wɪˈðɪn ˈlɪsənɪŋ ˈdɪstəns/

Meaning and Usage

The phrase "within listening distance" refers to a range or area in which sounds made can be heard by someone who is nearby. It typically suggests that someone is close enough to hear conversations or noises, which can be relevant in various contexts, such as conversations, instructions, or even performances.

This phrase is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, although it may appear more frequently in descriptive or narrative writing and spoken instructions.

Example Sentences

1. The teacher spoke softly so the students would not hear her, as they were all within listening distance.

2. Учитель говорил тихо, чтобы студенты его не слышали, так как они были в пределах слышимости.

3. He whispered the secret, careful not to let anyone within listening distance hear it.

4. Он прошептал секрет, стараясь, чтобы никто в пределах слышимости его не услышал.

5. The parents were worried that their argument could be heard by their kids, who were just within listening distance.

6. Родители беспокоились, что их ссору могут услышать дети, которые были в пределах слышимости.

Common Idiomatic Expressions

While "within listening distance" is a commonly used phrase, it is less frequently part of idiomatic expressions specific to English. However, the concept of being within auditory reach can be connected to various expressions about eavesdropping or overhearing:

1. "Caught in the act" – I overheard them talking about me while I was within listening distance, and it felt like I was caught in the act of eavesdropping.

2. Я подслушал, как они говорили обо мне, когда я был в пределах слышимости, и это было, как будто меня поймали на месте преступления.

3. "In the know" – Since I was within listening distance, I suddenly found myself in the know about the surprise party they were planning.

4. Поскольку я был в пределах слышимости, я вдруг узнал о сюрпризе, который они готовили.

5. "Let it slip" – I didn't mean to let it slip while chatting; I thought no one was within listening distance.

6. Я не хотел случайно проговориться во время разговора; я думал, что никто не слышит.

7. "Eavesdrop on" – He had no idea that I was within listening distance, ready to eavesdrop on what they were discussing.

8. Он не имел представления о том, что я был в пределах слышимости, готовый подслушать, о чем они говорили.

Etymology

The phrase "within listening distance" combines several English words: - "within" comes from Old English "wīþen," meaning "in, into, or within." - "listening" originates from the Old English "hlystende," a present participle of "hlystan," meaning "to listen." - "distance" stems from the Latin "distantia," through Old French, indicating space between two points.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Within earshot - Within range of hearing - Nearby

Antonyms: - Out of earshot - Beyond hearing - Far away