within an ace of: Idiom Meaning and Origin

One related idiom is "within ames ace." This phrase means being in a very fortunate or advantageous position. It is similar to "within an ace of" in that it conveys a sense of being extremely close to a positive outcome. However, "within ames ace" specifically suggests that the outcome is highly favorable or advantageous. For example, someone might say, "I was within ames ace of winning the lottery," to emphasize how close they were to a life-changing event.

Another related idiom is "within reach." This phrase means being close enough to touch or attain something. It is often used to describe a situation where a desired goal or object is easily attainable. Like "within an ace of," "within reach" conveys a sense of closeness and proximity. However, "within reach" tends to imply that the outcome is more easily achievable or accessible. For instance, someone might say, "The finish line is within reach, keep pushing!" to encourage someone to continue their efforts because the goal is almost within their grasp.

A third related idiom is "around the corner." This phrase means that something is about to happen or is very close to happening. It is often used to describe an impending event or change. While "within an ace of" emphasizes the intensity and suspense of a situation, "around the corner" emphasizes its imminent nature. For example, someone might say, "Success is just around the corner," to convey that a positive outcome is about to occur very soon.

Finally, there is the idiom "close in on." This phrase means to approach or come closer to something or someone, often with the intention of capturing or apprehending them. Unlike "within an ace of," "close in on" does not necessarily imply a positive outcome. It can denote a sense of pursuit or targeting. For instance, someone might say, "The police are closing in on the suspect," to indicate that law enforcement is getting closer to apprehending the person. However, like "within an ace of," "close in on" conveys a sense of proximity and intensity.

The idiom "within an ace of" is a versatile expression that conveys a sense of extreme closeness to a desired or undesired outcome. It is derived from the world of poker and is often used figuratively to describe situations filled with anticipation, tension, or uncertainty. Other related idioms, such as "within ames ace," "within reach," "around the corner," and "close in on," further convey the concept of proximity and intensity. Whether it is about being in a fortunate position, attaining something easily, anticipating an impending event, or pursuing a target, these idioms provide colorful ways to express closeness and immediacy in everyday conversations.