Р-339

РУКОЙ ПОДАТЬ coll VP infin only usu. impers predic less often, subj-compl with copula fixed WO

1. - (от чего до чего) (when used as subj-compl , subj: a geographical name or a noun denoting a specific site or location) (some place is) very close by, a short distance away: (от X-a) до Y-a рукой подать = it's (just) a stoned throw (from X) to Y

Y is (just (within)) a stoned throw from X Y is (itfs) (just) a stoned throw away Y is within spitting distance of X.

«Поедем к ореху, а там и до Сандро рукой подать», -сказал Махты (Искандер 3). "Let's go to the walnut tree, it's just a stone's throw from there to Sandro's," Makhty said (3a).

2. \Р-339 (до чего) (when used as subj-compl , subj: a noun denoting an important event, holiday, season, month etc) some event (holiday etc) is very near in time, soon to come: до X-a рукой подать - X is close (near) at hand

X is just around the corner.

До праздников рукой подать, пора начинать готовиться. The holidays are just around the corner. It's time to start preparing for them.