“Around the Corner” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 17, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Most people use the phrase “around the corner” daily. Although sometimes this phrase is meant in the literal sense, this is not often the case. If you have heard someone use the phrase “around the corner” or seen it used in writing only to discover that something wasn’t literally around the corner, you may be left stumped and wondering what they meant.

Here you will find the meaning of this term and information regarding its origin. You will also find the phrase used in some example sentences and conversations to help you further understand how the phrase is used and some alternatives you can use in conversation to replace this phrase.

Around The Corner Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “around the corner” is used by people to describe the location of something or someone being nearby or not that far away. It can also be used to mean that something is going to happen very soon.
Around the Corner Meaning
Around the Corner Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Around The Corner Meaning

The phrase “around the corner” means that something is near or about to happen soon. It can refer to a physical location or be used metaphorically to describe an event or situation that is imminent.

  • “The coffee shop is just around the corner from here.”
  • “With the holidays around the corner, everyone is busy shopping.”

Origin of this Phrase

The term “around the corner” has been used to describe the location of something since the early 1800s. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the phrase was first used to describe that something would happen shortly. Other than this information, little is known regarding the origin of the phrase “around the corner.” Most likely it was used in the literal sense of something or someone being literally around the corner from the location someone was at.

Usage of “Around The Corner”

Here are some examples of how “around the corner” can be used:

  1. In a physical sense: “The bakery is just around the corner from the office.”
  2. In a time-related sense: “Winter is around the corner, so we should start preparing.”
  3. To describe an upcoming event: “With the new year around the corner, people are making resolutions.”
  4. For an approaching opportunity: “A promotion might be around the corner if you keep working hard.”

Related Terms to “Around The Corner”

  • Imminent – Describing something that is about to occur very soon.
  • On the horizon – Refers to something approaching in the near future.
  • In the near future – Indicates that something will happen soon.
  • Approaching – Suggests that something is coming closer in time or space.
  • Just ahead – Means something is close by or will happen shortly.
  • At hand – Indicates that something is readily available or about to happen.
  • Close at hand – Refers to something that is near in time or location.
  • Forthcoming – Suggests that something is expected to happen soon.

Alternatives to “Around The Corner”

There are some other words and phrases that you can use to convey the same meaning of the phrase “around the corner.” Some of the other terminology you could use includes:

  • Nearby
  • Not that far away
  • Close
  • Coming soon

“Around The Corner” Examples

Example Sentences

  • I know that I have to be patient because there is something better for me just around the corner.
  • I was told the nearest grocery store to my apartment was around the corner.
  • There’s a bus stop just around the corner.
  • The police came around the corner and they started shooting at us.
  • The girl broke into a trot and disappeared around the corner.
  • The photographer stopped clicking and hurried around the corner.

Example Conversations

A discussion between father and son.

  • Father: What’s wrong, son?
  • Son: Cindy broke up with me today.
  • Father: I am sorry to hear that, John. Just know that something better is coming around the corner.

A discussion between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: I can feel that good things are just around the corner for us.
  • Co-worker 2: Do you mean you or the company?
  • Co-worker 1: I mean everyone! If the company starts doing better than so will we.
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