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stretch it out

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To make something go on for a longer time, or to pull something so it gets longer.

Literal meaning: To pull something so it extends — the idiomatic sense extends this to time and resources.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To make a limited resource, amount of money, or supply last as long as possible.

"We only had enough food for two days, but we managed to stretch it out for four."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

To prolong an activity or conversation, making it take more time than necessary.

"The meeting was supposed to be an hour, but they stretched it out to nearly three."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 informal

To perform stretching exercises to loosen or elongate muscles.

"After the run, make sure you stretch it out to avoid muscle soreness."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The 'it' is a fixed pronoun object in the idiomatic sense. Common in everyday speech when talking about budgets, time, resources, or exercise. Also used literally for physically stretching material.

Commonly used with

money resources budget time meal conversation muscle

Forms

Base
stretch it out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
stretches it out
he/she/it
Past simple
stretched it out
yesterday
Past participle
stretched it out
have + pp
-ing form
stretching it out
continuous

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Synonyms

drag it out prolong extend spin it out make it last eke it out

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