Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

stretch it

idiom

Definition of stretch it

informal
: to describe something as larger or greater than it really is : to exaggerate
  • She's a good musician but comparing her to the legends is stretching it.

Word by Word Definitions

stretch play

  1. : to extend (one's limbs, one's body, etc.) in a reclining position

  2. : to reach out : extend

  3. : to extend in length

  1. : an exercise of something (such as the understanding or the imagination) beyond ordinary or normal limits

  2. : an extension of the scope or application of something

  3. : the extent to which something may be stretched

  1. : easily stretched : elastic

  2. : longer than the standard size

See the full definition of stretch

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up stretch it? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games