to near; to approach
The time is approaching/nearing when I must tell him the whole truth; It's almost/nearly time for me to tell him the whole truth
When the train nears/approaches the terminus, don't forget to awake me; When the train nears/approaches the terminus, remember to awake me
At the approach of New Year's Day, prices shoot up/rocket up
It's almost/nearly mealtime, so everyone feels empty
Are we nearly there?; Will we soon be there?
It's nearly Christmas; It'll soon be Christmas; Christmas is approaching; Christmas is close