the stretch

noun

: the final straight part of a racecourse before the finish line

the horses are in the (final) stretch

—often used figuratively

She's in the final stretch. The baby's due next month.

They will wind up the season with a winning record having won some crucial games down the stretch.

Examples of the stretch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lean on movement, routine, connection and professional support, especially during the stretch between late fall and early spring. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

There's a kernel of truth to it; Ohtani was clearly limited by several injuries down the stretch, with a lengthy slump accompanying an increase in chase rate and swing and miss. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

The $38 million overhaul is intended to reduce traffic accidents, make biking and walking safer, and revitalize the stretch of Route 44 through the central retail district. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026

Down the stretch Edmonds emerged as the Horned Frogs’ best player. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026

Rhymes for the stretch

• etch
• fetch
• fletch
• ketch
• sketch
• vetch
• wretch