Select the most appropriate meaning of the idiomatic expression given.

At a stone’s throw

At a very short distance

The most appropriate meaning of the idiomatic expression "at a stone's throw" is at a very short distance.

The other options are incorrect.

• "Beat someone with a stone" is not the same as at a stone's throw. Beating someone with a stone is a violent act, while at a stone's throw is simply a way of saying that something is very close.
• "Throw a stone at someone" is not the same as at a stone's throw. Throwing a stone at someone is an act of aggression, while at a stone's throw is simply a way of saying that something is very close.
• "Like throwing a stone" is not the same as at a stone's throw. Like throwing a stone means that something is done with great force or speed, while at a stone's throw simply means that something is very close.

The idiom "at a stone's throw" comes from the idea that a stone can be thrown a short distance. So, when something is said to be at a stone's throw, it means that it is very close. For example, you might say "The store is just at a stone's throw from here" if the store is very close to where you are standing.