The not-too-distant past phrase
A time in the past that is not very far from now.
John is a first-rate swimmer in our team now, though he started praticing swimming in the not-too-distant past.
In the not-too-distant past, the land price in this area was just 1000 dollars per square meter; however, it has doubled now.
This phrase is used in its literal meaning.
Used to express one's feelings when facing a bad situation
Man, my life really sucks. Life's a bitch and then you die.