by any stretch of imagination
Meaning(s)
1. used to say that something is completely untrue or unimaginable
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
can't be true by any stretch of the imagination
Analysis
When you say that something is not true by any stretch of the imagination it means that it is not possible or is very difficult to imagine. This is an idiomatic expression that is used for emphasis and exaggeration. This is an idiom used in both social and professional contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- My manager won't give me Friday off by any stretch of the imagination.
- He isn't a good singer by any stretch of the imagination.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I can't see that strategy working by any stretch of the imagination.
- We are not out of the woods yet, by any stretch of the imagination.