stretch
/stretʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /stretʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstrech/ (ame, mw)
stretch — verb
1. to put out your arm, leg, or another part of your body as far as it can go, espe
to put out your arm, leg, or another part of your body as far as it can go, especially when you are trying to reach or touch something that is not close to you
Sari stretched her arm across the table to grab the salt shaker.
stretch + arm/body part + preposition (across)
The little boy stretched his hand toward the cookie jar but could not reach it.
Rafael stretched his neck to see the stage over the tall crowd.
Sivan stretched her leg out from under the blanket to feel the morning sun.
The goalkeeper stretched his whole body to stop the ball from going in.
- retract
to pull a body part back in; much less common in everyday speech
文法句型
stretch + body part + preposition (toward/over/out)
用法筆記
The object is almost always a body part (arm, leg, neck, hand). A prepositional phrase often follows to show the direction or target.
常見錯誤
2. to make your arms, legs, or entire body as straight and long as possible, genera
to make your arms, legs, or entire body as straight and long as possible, generally to relax stiff muscles when you get up after sitting or lying still for a while
After three hours of driving, Jude got out of the car and stretched.
intransitive: stretch (no direct object)
The yoga teacher asked everyone to stretch their arms above their heads.
transitive: stretch + body part
Rodrigo stood up from his desk and stretched his tired back.
Soraya yawned and stretched in bed before opening her eyes.
Lan stretched her legs for a few minutes before starting the morning run.
文法句型
stretch (intransitive — no object)
stretch + body part/yourself (transitive)
常見錯誤
3. to cover a large area of land, water, or space by continuing in a line from one
to cover a large area of land, water, or space by continuing in a line from one point to another
The white sand beach stretches for miles along the coast of the island.
stretch + for + distance (measure)
A long line of cars stretched from the bridge all the way to the highway.
The mountain range stretches across three different countries.
The field of sunflowers stretched as far as David could see.
An old stone wall stretches from the village to the hilltop church.
- narrow
to become smaller in width; not a direct antonym but opposite in effect
文法句型
stretch + preposition (across/over/for/from...to...)
用法筆記
Commonly used with a measure phrase (for miles/kilometres) or a start-to-end structure (from X to Y). The subject is usually land, a road, a line, or another physical thing.
常見錯誤
4. to go further than what is normally allowed, expected, or possible, often puttin
to go further than what is normally allowed, expected, or possible, often putting pressure on money, supplies, rules, or someone's ability to accept something
The company's budget is already stretched to its limit this year.
passive: be stretched to its limit
Buying a new car right now would really stretch our finances.
stretch + finances/money/resources
The teacher stretched the rules a little to let the student go on the trip.
Ritu felt that her patience was being stretched by the long delay at the airport.
Calling that small hotel a five-star resort would be stretching the truth.
- strain
focuses on the difficulty or damage caused by going beyond limits
- overextend
specifically about stretching too far, especially with money or effort
- limit
to keep within a certain boundary; opposite in direction
文法句型
stretch + noun (budget/resources/patience/rules/truth)
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice (something is stretched). The object is often an abstract noun: budget, resources, patience, rules, truth, meaning.
常見錯誤
5. in sports, to make an opponent run hard, move quickly, or use a lot of effort, s
in sports, to make an opponent run hard, move quickly, or use a lot of effort, so that they find it difficult to keep playing well
The tennis player stretched her opponent with a series of fast shots across the court.
stretch + opponent + with + something
The basketball team stretched the defense by passing the ball quickly around the court.
Darius stretched the goalkeeper by sending the ball to the far corner of the goal.
The runner stretched the leading group by increasing her speed in the final lap.
文法句型
stretch + opponent/defense/goalkeeper
用法筆記
Restricted to sports commentary and discussion. The object is the opposing side or a specific player, never an object. Used both in team sports (basketball, football) and individual sports (tennis, running).
常見錯誤
6. to pull at the edges of a material or object so that its size increases in lengt
to pull at the edges of a material or object so that its size increases in length or width, or for a material to grow in size when someone pulls it
The cotton T-shirt stretched out of shape after being washed in hot water.
intransitive: material stretches (happens by itself)
Rafael stretched the rubber band until it was almost twice its original size.
transitive: someone stretches something
The leather shoes stretched a little after Heloísa wore them for a few days.
The baker stretched the dough into a thin, round shape for the pizza base.
Be careful not to stretch the wool sweater when you hang it up to dry.
文法句型
stretch + object (material/object)
stretch (intransitive — of a material)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 7 (elastic recovery): sense 7 describes a material's property of returning to its original shape after being pulled, while this sense focuses on the act of pulling or the result of becoming longer, regardless of whether the material returns to its original shape.
常見錯誤
7. A material that stretches becomes longer or wider under force and recovers its e
A material that stretches becomes longer or wider under force and recovers its earlier form once the pull stops.
Yael pulled the elastic waistband of her shorts and watched it snap back into place.
elastic recovery: pull → release → snap back
The rubber band sprang back to its original shape after Constanza released it.
intransitive: spring back after release
The rubber band snapped because it could not stretch any further.
The elastic band on Ziad's face mask snapped back to its original size after each use.
A good pair of jeans should stretch slightly but still keep their original shape.
- shrink
becomes smaller, often from heat or moisture
文法句型
material + stretch(es) + (adverb/condition)
用法筆記
This sense describes an inherent property of a material — it does not refer to someone actively pulling something longer. Frequently appears with adverbs such as 'easily', 'slightly', or 'well'.
常見錯誤
8. If an event, activity, or period of time stretches, it continues for a very long
If an event, activity, or period of time stretches, it continues for a very long duration, often longer than expected.
The meeting stretched for over three hours because nobody agreed on the budget.
stretch + for + [duration]
Construction work on the new bridge stretched across two full summers.
stretch + across + [time period]
Roya's training sessions often stretch from early morning until late afternoon.
The heatwave stretched well into October, breaking all local temperature records.
If the debate stretches beyond midnight, the committee will resume tomorrow morning.
文法句型
event/period + stretch(es) + over/across + [time]
event + stretch(es) + from + [time] + to + [time]
用法筆記
Commonly used with prepositions like 'over', 'across', 'from...to', 'beyond', 'into', and 'for' to indicate the span or endpoint. Typically intransitive — the subject is the event or period itself.
常見錯誤
9. To deliberately make a process, task, or time period carry on for longer than it
To deliberately make a process, task, or time period carry on for longer than it was originally meant to.
The students tried to stretch the discussion to avoid the upcoming quiz.
stretch + [object] + to + [purpose]
Hannah stretched her lunch break by taking a long walk around the park.
stretch + [object] + by + [method]
Paul stretched the project timeline out so the team would not feel rushed.
The director stretched the filming schedule by another two weeks to get better shots.
Rather than ending the class early, the teacher stretched the lesson until the bell rang.
- shorten
make shorter in duration
文法句型
stretch + [object: process/task/period] + out/to + [time]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 8 (events that naturally last a long time), this sense always involves somebody actively deciding to make something last longer. Often used with 'out' as a phrasal verb (stretch out).
常見錯誤
10. When a job, task, or project stretches you, it demands more skill, knowledge, or
When a job, task, or project stretches you, it demands more skill, knowledge, or effort than you normally use and helps you grow in the process.
The new role at the hospital really stretches Bao's medical knowledge and teamwork skills.
[role] + stretch(es) + [person]'s + [skill]
Christopher enjoys projects that stretch his creativity beyond what he thought possible.
Teaching forty students stretched Adaeze in ways her training never prepared her for.
A good manager gives her team tasks that stretch them without causing too much stress.
Samir felt the marathon stretched his body and mind to their absolute limits.
文法句型
[task/job] + stretch(es) + [person]
用法筆記
Subject is typically an inanimate noun (a job, task, project, experience). The sense carries a positive connotation of growth through challenge, not merely difficulty.
11. To use the name of an existing, well-known brand for new products or services th
To use the name of an existing, well-known brand for new products or services that belong to a different category from the brand's original offering.
The car company stretched its brand into clothing and accessories for young drivers.
stretch + brand + into + [new category]
Critics argued the company stretched its reputation too far by selling low-quality kitchen tools.
A sports shoe brand stretched its name to a line of fitness drinks and bars.
Henrik questioned whether the fashion label could successfully stretch into home furniture.
A luxury hotel chain stretched its brand to budget rooms, surprising many loyal guests.
- extend
more neutral and widely used in business; 'brand extension' is the standard term
- diversify into
refers to a company entering new markets rather than specifically using the same brand name
文法句型
stretch + [brand/name] + to/into + [new product area]
用法筆記
This sense is confined to business and marketing contexts. The object is always the brand name or company identity, and the outcome is often evaluated as risky or controversial.
stretch — noun
1. a long, uninterrupted section of land, water, or road that stretches in one dire
a long, uninterrupted section of land, water, or road that stretches in one direction with no breaks or major changes
The car broke down on a lonely stretch of highway between two small towns.
a stretch of + highway — common collocation
A wide stretch of golden sand separates the ocean from the pine forest.
The river passes through a dangerous stretch of rapids before it reaches the valley.
Wren cycled along a beautiful stretch of coast where the cliffs meet the sea.
This stretch of the desert gets no rain for months at a time.
文法句型
a stretch of + [land/water/road/desert]
用法筆記
Always preceded by a determiner (a, the, this, that) and followed by 'of' plus a noun phrase describing the terrain or surface. Common objects: highway, road, beach, coast, river, desert, land, track.
常見錯誤
2. a straight part of a racing track, or one of the sections of a race or competiti
a straight part of a racing track, or one of the sections of a race or competition, particularly the last or most critical part
The runners entered the final stretch with the crowd cheering loudly on both sides.
the final stretch — most common form
The horses sped down the back stretch before rounding the last turn.
the back stretch — racing terminology
Omar took the lead on the long stretch after the final curve of the track.
The cycling race included a flat stretch where the riders could rest for a few minutes.
Camila pushed hard on the home stretch and crossed the finish line first.
- straight
specifically the straight part of a race track; common in British English
- straightaway
mainly US English for a straight section of a track
文法句型
the + adj + stretch
stretch of a race/course
用法筆記
Most commonly used with 'the final stretch' or 'the home stretch'. Can also be used metaphorically to mean the last part of any process or project, not just races.
常見錯誤
3. the action of straightening your arms, legs, or body until the muscles feel gent
the action of straightening your arms, legs, or body until the muscles feel gently pulled, done as a form of exercise or to relax tired or stiff muscles
The coach made the team do some light stretches before the training match began.
do + stretches — common verb collocation
A few simple stretches in the morning help Feng feel less stiff at work.
The yoga class ended with five minutes of gentle stretching on the floor.
Pedro felt a pull in his leg during the stretch and decided to stop for the day.
Always hold each stretch for at least twenty seconds without bouncing.
- warm-up
broader; includes other exercises besides stretching
- flexibility exercise
more technical; used in fitness contexts
文法句型
do + stretches
have a stretch
stretch + exercise/movement
用法筆記
In countable form (a stretch, stretches) it refers to individual movements. In uncountable form (stretching) it refers to the activity in general. Often used with verbs like 'do', 'hold', 'perform'.
常見錯誤
4. in baseball, the way a pitcher stands when getting ready to throw, where the fro
in baseball, the way a pitcher stands when getting ready to throw, where the front foot is placed on the slab while both hands are brought together near the centre of the body; this position is mainly used when there are runners on the bases
With a runner on first base, the pitcher went into the stretch before throwing the ball.
go into the stretch — standard baseball phrase
The pitcher prefers to throw from the stretch even when no one is on base.
from the stretch — prepositional use
Noa learned the stretch as part of his training as a high school pitcher.
The coach taught the young player how to balance properly in the stretch position.
- windup
the alternative pitching position where the pitcher starts with both hands above the head
文法句型
the stretch
go into the stretch
pitch from the stretch
用法筆記
Almost exclusively used in baseball commentary and instruction. The stretch contrasts with the 'windup' — the other pitching style. Not used outside American baseball contexts.
常見錯誤
5. a situation where something goes further than what is usually allowed, expected,
a situation where something goes further than what is usually allowed, expected, or reasonable — for example, bending rules, asking for more effort than normal, or making a claim that seems unlikely
Calling that small café a world-class restaurant is a bit of a stretch.
a bit of a stretch — common evaluative phrase
It is a stretch to say the company will double its profits in just one year.
it is a stretch to + verb — pattern for dubious claims
The hospital staff are working at full stretch because of the sudden rise in patients.
By any stretch of the imagination, that old laptop is not worth five hundred dollars.
The teacher's decision to let the student retake the exam was a stretch of the rules.
- exaggeration
focuses specifically on overstating facts rather than going beyond limits in general
- overextension
more formal; used when resources or effort are stretched beyond capacity
文法句型
a stretch
by any stretch
not by a long stretch
at full stretch
用法筆記
Often appears in fixed phrases: 'a stretch' (a doubtful claim), 'by any stretch' (in any possible way), 'at full stretch' (using maximum effort), 'a stretch of the + noun' (an extension beyond limits). Usually has a mildly negative tone — the thing being stretched is being pushed too far.
常見錯誤
6. the amount by which a material, piece of fabric, or object can become longer or
the amount by which a material, piece of fabric, or object can become longer or wider when you pull it, or the ability to return to its original size after being pulled
This denim has very little stretch, so you might want a size larger.
have + little/much stretch — describing material property
Yoga pants are popular because of their excellent stretch and comfortable fit.
The elastic band lost its stretch after being stretched too many times.
Sahil tested the stretch of the climbing rope before trusting it with his weight.
Choose a fabric with plenty of stretch if you want the dress to fit tightly.
- elasticity
more technical; describes the scientific property of returning to original shape
- give
informal; used especially for fabric that loosens slightly under pressure
- flexibility
broader; can also refer to bending rather than just lengthening
- stiffness
resistance to being pulled longer; opposite quality in a material
文法句型
have + stretch
stretch + of + material
give + stretch
用法筆記
Often modified by adjectives like 'good', 'excellent', 'little', 'no', 'plenty of'. Frequently used in shopping and clothing contexts when describing fabric properties.
常見錯誤
7. a period of time that continues without any breaks or pauses
a period of time that continues without any breaks or pauses
The office stayed open for a stretch of fourteen hours during the busy season.
collocation: a stretch of + time period
After a long stretch of rainy days, the children finally played outside.
adjective before stretch: long stretch of
Darius worked a stretch of six nights in a row at the hospital.
The factory ran at full speed for a stretch of three months.
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' and a time expression, as in 'a stretch of ten years' or 'a long stretch of hot weather'.
常見錯誤
8. the amount of time someone must stay in prison as ordered by a court after being
the amount of time someone must stay in prison as ordered by a court after being found guilty
The judge sentenced the thief to a two-year stretch in prison.
number + stretch: a X-year stretch
After his stretch ended, Chidi struggled to find a job.
Rin served a stretch of five years for a crime she did not commit.
Hari's older brother did a four-year stretch for stealing cars.
用法筆記
Common in informal British and American English. The verbs 'do', 'serve', or 'face' are frequently used with this sense.
常見錯誤
9. used in the phrase 'at a stretch' to mean without stopping or pausing, often wit
used in the phrase 'at a stretch' to mean without stopping or pausing, often with a number or a period of time
The nurses worked twelve hours at a stretch during the health crisis.
fixed phrase: hours/period + at a stretch
Andrew can read for three hours at a stretch without looking up.
The car drove for eight hours at a stretch across the desert.
Renata practiced the piano for two hours at a stretch every evening.
- continuously
more formal; 'continuously' can be used in any position in a sentence
- non-stop
informal; 'non-stop' is an adjective or adverb, more common in everyday speech
用法筆記
This sense occurs only in the fixed phrase 'at a stretch'. It cannot be used alone (e.g. ❌ 'a stretch of working'). Distinguish from sense 7 (CONTINUOUS TIME), which is a standalone noun.
常見錯誤
10. a job or duty that pushes a person to work harder than normal, testing skills th
a job or duty that pushes a person to work harder than normal, testing skills they do not often use
Managing a whole branch was a real stretch for Yael, who had only led small teams.
pattern: be a stretch for someone
Teaching advanced physics to beginners proved to be a stretch for the young teacher.
proved to be a stretch
Playing the lead role was a stretch for Iker, who usually played minor parts.
The company offered Allison the position even though it was a stretch for her skills.
用法筆記
Often used in the phrase 'be a stretch (for someone)'. The person is usually being asked to do something harder than what they normally do, not something they cannot do at all.
常見錯誤
stretch — adjective
1. made of a material that can be pulled to become longer or wider and then returns
made of a material that can be pulled to become longer or wider and then returns to its original shape.
Owen bought a pair of stretch jeans that fit him perfectly.
attributive use: stretch + clothing noun
The fabric of these yoga trousers is very stretchy, so you can move freely.
predicative use: be + stretch
Gabriel prefers stretch cotton shirts because they are comfortable for long flights.
A stretch bandage wrapped firmly around Anong's ankle helped reduce the swelling.
The swimsuit is made from a stretch nylon blend that dries very quickly.
文法句型
a stretch + noun
be stretchy
用法筆記
Often used to describe clothing or fabrics that are designed to fit closely or move with the body. The attributive form (a stretch fabric) is more common than the predicative form (this fabric is stretchy).
常見錯誤
2. describing a vehicle, especially a car or limousine, that has been lengthened to
describing a vehicle, especially a car or limousine, that has been lengthened to provide more passenger space than a standard model.
The wedding party arrived in a white stretch limousine with twelve seats.
stretch limousine — most common collocation
Felipe rented a stretch SUV to take the whole family to the airport.
A stretch Hummer drove slowly down the main street during the parade.
Élise could not find a parking space long enough for her stretch sedan.
- extended
more general; can describe many types of things, not just vehicles
- lengthened
more technical; emphasizes the physical modification
- standard-size
regular unmodified length
文法句型
stretch + noun (vehicle type)
用法筆記
This sense is used almost exclusively attributively — you would say 'a stretch limousine', not 'the limousine is stretch'. The noun that follows is always a type of vehicle.