The term 'small distance' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: STEP (4 letters), FOOTSTEP (8 letters), and INCH (4 letters). STEP is a unit of length equal to the distance between two successive steps taken by a person in walking. FOOTSTEP is a unit of length equal to the length of a single STEP taken by a person in walking. INCH is a unit of length equal to one twelfth of a foot. All three of these units are used to measure small distances.