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]
(..) Captain Jack Sparrow. TWIGG: Last time I saw you, you were all alone on a godforsaken island, shrinking into the distance. His fortunes aren't improved much. Worry about your own fortunes, gentlemen. The deepest circle of hell (..)2003 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl