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stretch out

A2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To make your body, arm, or something else as long as possible by extending it fully.

Literal meaning: To extend something outward so it becomes fully elongated — transparent.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To lie down or relax with your body fully extended.

"After the long flight, she stretched out on the hotel bed and fell asleep immediately."

2 A2 neutral

To extend a hand or arm toward something or someone.

"He stretched out his hand and helped her to her feet."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 neutral

(Of a place or time) To extend over a large area or a long period.

"The golden wheat fields stretched out as far as the eye could see."

4 B1 idiomatic informal

To make something last longer by using it slowly or carefully.

"She tried to stretch out her savings until the end of the month."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common and versatile. Used for body positions, physical objects, landscapes, and time. 'Stretch out on the sofa' is a very typical usage. Also used for landscapes extending into the distance.

Commonly used with

legs arms sofa bed plains road hand

Forms

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

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Synonyms

extend spread out lie out elongate reach out sprawl

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