Within earshot

Meaning

The idiom "within earshot" refers to a distance that is close enough for someone to hear what is being said or done. It can also indicate a range of distances within which something can be heard.

Usage

• "I always try to keep my conversations within earshot so that my coworkers don't overhear."
• "The music was so loud that I could hear it even when I was several feet away."
• "When we were planning our surprise party, we made sure to keep everything within earshot so that the guest of honor wouldn't be caught off guard."
• "I always try to speak softly when my neighbors are around because I don't want them to hear what I'm saying."
• "The fireworks display was so loud and bright that it could be heard from several blocks away."

Roots and History

The idiom "within earshot" has been in use since at least the 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the phrase "within hearing," which was used to describe a distance within which someone could hear what was being said or done. Over time, "earshot" became more common as it implies a specific range of distances that are close enough to hear.

Synonyms in English

• Within earshot range
• In audible range
• In hearing distance
• Within sound range
• Within listening distance

Synonyms in other languages

• En audición (Spanish) - within hearing
• 聽聽的距離 (Mandarin Chinese) - within earshot range
• הפקדים (Hebrew) - within sound
• לטמרת (Hebrew) - within earshot range
• ונשון (Hebrew) - within sound

Similar Idioms

• Easter egg

• easy come, easy go

• turn a deaf ear