stretch it

stretch it

To tell or explain something in such a way that, while not technically false, presents an exaggerated or misleading version of the truth. It would be stretching it to say that our company has been very successful, but we've managed to get by for the past few years. Does everyone stretch it on their résumés now? It seems like none of these candidates is as qualified as they seemed on paper.
See also: stretch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • stretch the truth
  • keep (something) in proportion
  • blown (all) out of proportion
  • a tall tale
  • tall tale
  • yes and amen
  • puff piece
  • ricockulous
References in periodicals archive
It's seven years since he was in Polmont's Young Offenders Institute, eventually serving two years and three months of a stretch It's seven years since he was in Polmont's Young Offenders Institute, eventually serving two years and three months of a stretch for assault.
''Hopefully, coming down the stretch it's going to be enough.''
"Knowledge is power and coming down the stretch it's got to help to know what you need to do to try to eliminate possible mistakes.
Make sure the installers allow enough time for the carpet to acclimate and insist that they actually stretch it with a power stretcher during installation.
Because the rectus femoris (one of the quadricep muscles) flexes the hip and extends the knee, in order to stretch it effectively, you must oppose its actions at both of the joints-that is, flex the knee while extending the hip.
Coltart said: "Coming down the stretch it's nice to know if I'm sweating over club selection that there's a guy on the bag who is not going to succumb to the pressure.