stretch a point

stretch a point
stretch a point & stretch the point
Fig. to interpret a point flexibly and with great latitude. •

Would it be stretching a point to suggest that everyone is invited to your picnic?

To say that everyone is invited is stretching the point.

* * *
or[strain a point] {v. phr.} To permit something different or more than usual; not tell the exact truth or make an exception. * /Mother stretched a point because it was Christmas time and let the children stay up later than usual./ * /It's straining a point to call Joe a hero just because he saved the kitten from drowning in the bathtub./

Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.

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  • stretch a point — or[strain a point] {v. phr.} To permit something different or more than usual; not tell the exact truth or make an exception. * /Mother stretched a point because it was Christmas time and let the children stay up later than usual./ * /It s… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • stretch\ a\ point — • stretch a point • strain a point v. phr. To permit something different or more than usual; not tell the exact truth or make an exception. Mother stretched a point because it was Christmas time and let the children stay up later than usual. It s …   Словарь американских идиом

  • stretch a point — ► stretch a point allow or do something not usually acceptable. Main Entry: ↑stretch …   English terms dictionary

  • stretch a point — index magnify Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • stretch a point — agree to something beyond the limit of what is normally allowed I think it is stretching a point to think you can go and take a two hour lunch break. (from Idioms in Speech) to make a concession I wanted to ask you if you could stretch a point… …   Idioms and examples

  • stretch a point — phrasal : to go beyond what is strictly warranted in making a claim or concession (as in an argument or bargain) * * * stretch a point To go further, esp in concession, than the strict rule allows • • • Main Entry: ↑stretch * * * stretch a ˈpoint …   Useful english dictionary

  • stretch a point — allow or do something not usually acceptable. → stretch …   English new terms dictionary

  • stretch a point — phrasal to go beyond what is strictly warranted in making a claim or concession …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • stretch a point — act leniently …   English contemporary dictionary

  • strain or stretch a point — idi strain or stretch a point, to make a concession or exception …   From formal English to slang

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