They were almost 'within striking distance' of their goal. = Their goal was almost 'within striking distance'. [=they were close to achieving their goal]
He spotted the group 'at a distance of' one mile. [=he saw the group when they were one mile away from him]
('Brit') The book is better than the movie 'by some distance'. [=the book is much better than the movie]
(..) lt's your men out there ! - There's plenty of room for more. - There'll be one less on this boat... ..if you don't shut that hole in your face ! (woman in distance) Come back ! Take this one. Bring in your oars over there. Tie these two boats together as well. Now make sure that's tied up (..)1997 Titanic
(..) from the suction... ..but... now they'll be coming back. (Woman) Come back ! - For God's sake ! - Please ! Help us ! (faint cries in distance) Come back ! For God's sake ! You don't understand. lf we go back, they'll swamp the boat ! - They'll pull us right down ! - Knock it off. You're scaring me. (..)1997 Titanic