by no stretch: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘by no stretch’ mean?

The idiom "by no stretch" means that something is not at all possible or not even a remote possibility. It is used to emphasize that there is no way a certain statement or comparison can be true or accurate.

Idiom Explorer

Decoding the Enigma: Unraveling "By No Stretch"

The idiom "by no stretch of the imagination" is closely related to "by no stretch." Both phrases share the same meaning of "not in any way" or "definitely not." The addition of "of the imagination" in the former idiom adds a touch of emphasis, reinforcing the idea that the statement or comparison being made is completely false or inaccurate, even in one's wildest imagination.

When someone says "by no stretch of the imagination," they are emphasizing that there is absolutely no way, no matter how creative or imaginative one may be, to perceive or interpret a certain situation or idea.

For example, if someone were to say, "By no stretch of the imagination was that movie a masterpiece," they are emphasizing that the movie was far from being a masterpiece, and there is no possible way, even through imaginative thinking, to consider it as such.

The addition of "of the imagination" in this idiom serves as a figurative tool to convey the idea of exploring every conceivable angle or perspective, only to find that the statement or comparison being made is still completely false or inaccurate.

It is worth noting that both "by no stretch" and "by no stretch of the imagination" are colloquial expressions commonly used in spoken and written English. They add emphasis to a statement or comparison and contribute to a conversational and informal tone.

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Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "by no stretch" can be used in a sentence:

  1. By no stretch of the imagination could she be considered a great dancer.
  2. That win was unexpected; by no stretch of the imagination did we think we would come out on top.
  3. The conditions of the house were horrible, by no stretch of the imagination could it be called livable.

More "adverb" idioms