near as a toucher

Adjective

dated not-comparable slang

(simile, slang, dated) Very close indeed; as near as possible without actually touching.

Japanese Meaning

実際に触れることなく、ほぼ触れんばかりに非常に近い状態を表す表現です。 / 文字通り「触れそうで触れない」ほどの非常に近い状態、つまり触れる直前の状態を示します。

The two runners were near as a toucher at the finish line, crossing almost together.

ゴールラインでは二人のランナーがほとんど触れそうなほど近く、ほぼ同時にゴールした。

Sense（1）

(simile, slang, dated) Very close indeed; as near as possible without actually touching.