stretch the truth — to say something that is not completely true; to exaggerate or distort facts slightly
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to say something that is not completely true; to exaggerate or distort facts slightly
Pronunciation (IPA): /stretʃ ðə truːθ/
Example Sentences
- My grandfather loves to stretch the truth when he tells us about his fishing trips.
- The politician was accused of stretching the truth during the debate.
- She stretched the truth about her cooking skills, and now everyone expects a gourmet meal!
stretch the truth
NOUN[/stretʃ ðə truːθ/]
to say something that is not completely true; to exaggerate or distort facts slightly
to say something that is not completely true; to exaggerate or distort facts slightly
The youth at the booth tends to stretch the truth!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase combines two Old English elements: 'stretch' derives from Old English meaning 'to extend or expand', while 'truth' originates from Old English 'triewth', meaning 'fidelity' or 'veracity'. The phrase emerged as a metaphorical expression, likening the distortion of truth to the physical stretching of an elastic material.
Breakdown
stretch (to extend, expand) + the truth (veracity, factual reality) = to distort or exaggerate facts by extending them beyond their original form, as if truth were elastic material being pulled out of shape.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandfather loves to stretch the truth when he tells us about his fishing trips.”
“The politician was accused of stretching the truth during the debate.”
“She stretched the truth about her cooking skills, and now everyone expects a gourmet meal!”
“It's okay to stretch the truth a little in a job interview, but don't go too far.”
📚Related Words
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