How to use "a stone's throw"

What Does "a stone's throw" Mean?

• The idiomatic meaning of "a stone's throw" is a short distance away; very near or close by. It implies that a place or thing is easily accessible.
• The origin of the phrase comes from the literal act of throwing a stone. The distance one could throw a stone was a common way to measure short distances in the past.
• The register is neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

How to Use It

• The phrase is generally used with the preposition "from" or "away." You can modify it with adverbs like "just," "only," or "literally." You can also use it in negative constructions (e.g., "It's not a stone's throw away.")
• It sounds unnatural to use the phrase in contexts where an actual stone is being thrown, or to over-analyze the literal distance. Avoid using it to describe extremely long distances, even sarcastically, as this can be confusing.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from a stone's throw on Ludwig.guru.

"That's a stone's throw, practically our galactic backyard." — The New York Times

"It's a stone's throw from Goldenwest and the proposed parking lot." — Los Angeles Times

"It's also a stone's throw from the creative hub of the city — the once slummy, now hip Shoreditch." — The New York Times

"It's a bit more than a stone's throw from Harvard Yard." — TechCrunch

"Anybody within a stone's throw of the Mississippi River has a Twain attachment"." — The New York Times - Books

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/a+stone's+throw

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
nearby	A general term indicating close proximity.
close by	Similar to "nearby," but can emphasize a slightly closer distance.
just around the corner	Implies a short, easily navigable distance.
within walking distance	Specifically refers to a distance that can be covered on foot.
a hop, skip, and a jump	Informal and playful, suggesting a very short distance.
in close proximity	More formal way of saying something is nearby.
a short distance away	A straightforward and literal alternative.

Common Mistakes

• Using the phrase in a literal context involving actual stone-throwing.
• Overestimating the distance implied by the phrase, leading to miscommunication.
• Trying to quantify the distance precisely (e.g., "It's exactly a stone's throw away, which is 30 meters.")
• Learners often misinterpret the literal meaning and underestimate the actual distance implied, or they try to use it with a literal stone-throwing context.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Idiomatic Meaning	Register	Avoid In
a stone's throw	A short distance away; very near	Neutral	Literal stone-throwing contexts, very long distances

FAQs

Is "a stone's throw" ever used literally?

No, the expression "a stone's throw" is almost always used figuratively to indicate that something is nearby. While it originates from the literal act of throwing a stone, its modern usage is exclusively idiomatic, signifying a short distance.

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How does "a stone's throw" differ from "just around the corner"?

Both "a stone's throw" and "just around the corner" indicate close proximity, but "just around the corner" implies that the destination is easily accessible and perhaps slightly hidden or not immediately visible. "A stone's throw" simply emphasizes the short distance, without necessarily implying a change in direction or hidden location.

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What's the most common mistake learners make with the phrase "a stone's throw"?

One common mistake is taking the phrase too literally and underestimating the actual distance implied. Also, learners sometimes try to use the phrase in situations involving literal stone-throwing, which sounds unnatural. Remember that "a stone's throw" always refers to a short distance, not the act of throwing a stone.