Related Clues:

• Dear's rhyming partner
• Game's ''warm''
• In proximity to
• Close — initially not even remote? Not initially
• '___, far, wherever you are' (Celine Dion lyric)
• Close enough to hear what's going on
• Almost a disaster — point to what should prevent a shock
• New listener within range
• 'It's ___ and dear to my heart'
• Within hugging distance
• First sign of horse and trap reversing is imminent
• Near in time
• Alcoholic drink knocked back, beginning of hangover almost upon us
• Newly elected American Republican starts being mean
• Poet’s just about death, euphemistically losing it