in the distance

Meaning

1. Oxford100% of films

   far away but still able to be seen or heard

   Snipers, they said, were still at work, and in the distance, one heard the ominous burst of machine-gun fire.

   And do you see Those lights in the distance

In the movies · 8

• I could just make you out in the distance.Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind2004
• Snipers, they said, were still at work, and in the distance, one heard the ominous burst of machine-gun fire.Belfast2021
• And as the North Korean coastline receded in the distanceThe Interview2014
• some castles in the distance.South Park: Imaginationland2008
• And do you see Those lights in the distanceThe Polar Express2004
• Keep that distance keep that distanceSouthpaw2015
• Now get this. In the distance, there was a murder.Blue Velvet1986
• and professional distance.Patch Adams1998

Learn it in full scenes

• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind2004
  • Joel Ditches Work for Montauk Beach
  • Clementine Meets Joel on the Train
  • Joel and Clementine Meet
• Belfast2021
  • Buddy Caught in a Street Riot
  • Belfast Builds the Barricades
  • Belfast Family Argues About Religion
• Blue Velvet1986
  • Sandy Tells Jeffrey About the Singer
  • Jeffrey Plans the Apartment Break-In
  • Sandy Tells Jeffrey Her Robin Dream

From the same entry

• at a distance
• go the distance
• keep at a distance
• keep your distance
• within shouting distance
• within spitting distance
• within striking distance

More idioms

• be on the telephone
• more like
• be sick
• face to face with
• shame on you
• bring under control
• a change of mind
• leave be
• way back
• go to bed with
• day by day
• learn the hard way