# stretch the truth

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/stretch-the-truth
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To exaggerate, often to the point where the truth is obscured or lost.

## Examples

- He likes to stretch the truth about his fishing trips.
- The salesman tended to stretch the truth about the car's condition to make a quick sale.
- While he did not outright lie, he was known to stretch the truth regarding his professional achievements to impress his colleagues.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.