📒 to make something longer, wider or looser, for example by pulling it; to become longer, etc. in this way
- Is there any way of stretching shoes?
- Stop stretching your sleeves like that!
- This sweater has stretched.
📒 to become bigger or longer when you pull it and return to its original shape when you stop
- The jeans stretch to provide a perfect fit.
📒 to pull something so that it is smooth and tight
- stretch something (+ adv./prep.) Stretch the fabric tightly over the frame.
- Striped awnings had been stretched across the courtyard.
- stretch something + adj. Make sure that the rope is stretched tight.
📒 to put your arms or legs out straight and contract your muscles
- He stretched and yawned lazily.
- Andrea turned out the light and stretched full-length on the bed.
- stretch something The exercises are designed to stretch and tone your leg muscles.
📒 to put out an arm or a leg in order to reach something
- + adv./prep. She stretched across the table for the butter.
- She stretched up to reach the top shelf.
- stretch something + adv./prep. I stretched out a hand and picked up the book.
📒 to spread over an area of land
- Fields and hills stretched out as far as we could see.
- The traffic jam seemed to stretch for miles.
- A line of cars stretched into the distance.
📒 to continue over a period of time
- The town's history stretches back to before 1500.
- to stretch back years/decades/generations/centuries
- The training stretches over a period of 16 months.
📒 to be enough to buy or pay for something
- I need a new car, but my savings won't stretch to it.
- There are lots of things I’d like to buy, but our budget just won’t stretch that far.
📒 to make use of a lot of your money, supplies, time, etc.
- The pandemic has stretched healthcare resources to the limit.
- We can't take on any more work—we're fully stretched as it is.
- The budget is already stretched to breaking point.
📒 to increase your lead over somebody in a game or competition
- A minute later, Kelly stretched their lead to eight points.
📒 to make use of all somebody’s skill, intelligence, etc.
- I need a job that will stretch me.
- She was never really stretched at school.
- The book really stretches your imagination.
📒 to use something in a way that would not normally be considered fair, acceptable, etc.
- He admitted that he had maybe stretched the truth a little (= not been completely honest).
- The play's plot stretches credulity to the limit.
📒 to change the rules to suit a particular person or situation
- Couldn't they just bend the rules and let us in without a ticket?
📒 to go for a short walk after sitting for some time
- It was good to get out of the car and stretch our legs.
📒 to allow or do something that is not usually acceptable, especially because of a particular situation
- I was hoping they would stretch a point and let me stay on for a while.