this side of (something)

this side of

1. Just short or shy of; nearly or verging on. While the governor's actions are this side of criminal, voters are demanding he nevertheless resign in the wake of the scandal.2. Immediately before or prior (a given time, date, age, etc.). It will be this side of midnight by the time we get home. The mother of two was just this side of thirty when she was killed by cancer.See also: of, side, this

this side of (something)

Nearly; verging on; just short of. He's this side of 40, and he still doesn't have a proper job. What has he been doing with his life? They specialize in tax arrangements that are this side of illegal.See also: of, side, this

this side of

Short of, before, as in I think she's still this side of forty, or I doubt they'll arrive this side of noon. [First half of 1400s] See also: of, side, this

this side of

Informal Verging on; short of: shady deals that were just this side of criminal.See also: of, side, this