The phrase "striking distance" refers to the proximity needed to make a physical impact. The pronunciation of this term is /ˈstraɪkɪŋ ˈdɪstəns/. Starting with the first syllable, "strike" is pronounced as /straɪk/ with the vowel sound "ai" diphthong. The second syllable "ing" is pronounced as /ɪŋ/, with the nasal sound "ng". The final syllable, "distance" is pronounced as /ˈdɪstəns/ with the stress on the second syllable and the vowel sound "i" pronounced as /ɪ/.
Striking distance refers to a range or proximity within which a person or object is able to reach or make contact with another. It is a term widely used in various contexts and disciplines, including sports, warfare, and negotiation.
In sports, particularly combat sports such as boxing or martial arts, striking distance denotes the range at which a fighter is able to effectively land punches, kicks, or other offensive moves on their opponent. It is the distance that allows for an effective attack without leaving oneself vulnerable to counterattacks.
In warfare, striking distance indicates the distance at which military forces or weaponry can launch an attack on a target. It refers to the range within which a particular weapon system, such as missiles or artillery, can accurately hit the intended target.
Beyond physical combat, striking distance can also be applied to negotiations or conflicts of a non-physical nature. It describes the proximity at which one party can exert influence or pressure on another to achieve their objectives. For example, in a business negotiation, one may say that they are within striking distance of reaching a deal if they believe they are close to securing a favorable agreement.
Overall, striking distance is a term that denotes the range at which one can effectively make an impact or carry out an action, whether it be physical, strategic, or tactical in nature.
The word "striking" in "striking distance" comes from the verb "strike", which means to hit or deliver a blow. The term "distance" refers to the measurement of how far apart two objects or points are from each other.
The etymology of the word "strike" can be traced back to the Old English word "strīcan", which meant "to stroke, smooth, rub, or go over lightly". Over time, "strīcan" evolved to also mean "to hit or beat forcefully".
The phrase "striking distance" is used figuratively to indicate a range or proximity within which someone or something can effectively strike or attack. It is often used to describe a situation where someone or something is sufficiently close to take action or cause an impact.