a window away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a window away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is easily accessible or just a short distance from someone, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "With technology today, information is just a window away, allowing us to learn about anything instantly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Style

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Harking back to the era when designers and craftsmen like Alexander Girard and Verner Panton were experimenting with textiles, plastic, metal and glass to create objects for spaces traditionally occupied by art, the mirror is less a look at the self than a window away from it.

The New York Times - Style

Keep the plant in a well-lit location (like near a window) away from direct sunlight – too much heat and light can stunt growth and burn the leaves.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And what if we could work not on multi-function laptops, where the temptations of the internet are just a new browser window away, but on smart typewriters with only minimal email connectivity?

The Guardian - Tech

Russell compromised, putting a large picture window away from the source of the noise.

Los Angeles Times

Thus the rat might learn that the correct arm is the one pointing to the left of a window and away from a table with a lamp on it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Officials are transforming government Web sites from tedious electronic brochures into virtual service counters where the form to report potholes is only a few windows away from the vehicle registration page.

The New York Times - Tech

That "soft hit" training baseball sailed over my head and practically took out a window 20 feet away.

Huffington Post

When it was time for the former secretary to hand over the financial books, a member, Simon Freudenthal, was alleged to have grabbed them, jumped out a window, and ran away with them.

Wikipedia

Spaggiari was later caught but escaped at his trial by jumping out of a window and speeding away on a motorbike.

Huffington Post

Investigators say that someone probably drove up to Ms. Kane's car, got out, shot her through a window and drove away.

The New York Times

Probably, the police decided, the intruder was trying to force open a window to run away.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing opportunities or access, use "a window away" to emphasize ease and clear visibility into a situation or solution. This is more effective than saying something is simply 'close'.

Common error

Don't use "a window away" when a simpler description of distance is more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious. For example, instead of saying "the store is just a window away," say "the store is just across the street."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a window away" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate proximity or accessibility. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Style

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a window away" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, although not very common, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's best used to metaphorically describe something easily accessible with a clear view or understanding. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, but can be suitable for many other types of writing. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in literal spatial contexts, as it can sound unnatural or pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

easily accessible

Highlights the ease with which something can be accessed.

just a click away

Highlights ease of access via technology versus a physical window.

at your fingertips

Suggests immediate access and control, especially in digital contexts.

within easy reach

Emphasizes accessibility and convenience in broader situations.

a short distance away

More literally describes spatial distance, less metaphorical.

a stone's throw away

Implies close physical proximity.

readily available

Focuses on availability and ease of obtaining something.

in close proximity

Indicates nearness or closeness in distance or relationship.

just around the corner

Suggests that something is nearby and imminent.

a hop, skip, and a jump away

Emphasizes the ease and shortness of a journey.

FAQs

How can I use "a window away" in a sentence?

You can use "a window away" to describe something easily accessible or visible. For instance, "With online resources, knowledge is just "a window away"." It can also be used metaphorically.

What's a good alternative to "a window away" when describing physical proximity?

For physical proximity, consider alternatives like "a stone's throw away" or "just around the corner". These emphasize closeness in a more concrete sense.

When is it best to use "a window away" metaphorically?

Use "a window away" metaphorically when you want to highlight the ease of access or the clear view into something. For example, "The internet provides "a window away" to different cultures."

How does "a window away" differ from "easily accessible"?

"Easily accessible" generally describes something that's simple to reach or use. "A window away" specifically implies a clear view or insight in addition to ease of access, adding a layer of perspective or understanding.