by any stretch

English

Etymology

Clipping of "by any stretch of the imagination".

Phrase

by any stretch

1. In any conceivable way.
   • 2011, Marcia Clark, Guilt By Association:

     With its barred windows and fading paper signs announcing the various forms of its artery cloggers du jour, it couldn't by any stretch be called inviting.

   • 2011, Alan J. Dignam, Andrew Hicks, Hicks & Goo's Cases and Materials on Company Law, page 464:

     I can see nothing in that case which supports the proposition that a right conferred on an individual by the articles of a company to remain as president until removed in general meeting, and which is unrelated to any shareholding, can, by any stretch, be described as a class right.

   • 2014, Emivita -, By Any Means Necessary: My Personal Struggles with Good and Evil:

     I wasn't genetically tied to her by any stretch which gave me some comfort.

   • 2017, Frank Griffin, Touched by Fire, page 75:

     But Louie Ray's mama was a gem, and while the Kirklands weren't rich by any stretch, they were a little better off than us.

Usage notes

Usually used in the negative ("not by any stretch")