stretch a point
Make an exception
To stretch a point is to extend an argument or interpretation beyond what's strictly accurate or warranted—allowing something that doesn't quite fit the rules.
I'm stretching a point to call this a success, but we did learn something.
Often implies bending rather than breaking: a small concession to practicality or kindness at the expense of precision.
Represent as greater
- embellishAdd decorative elements
- inflateFill with gas
- amplifyIncrease in strength
- dramatizeDepict with heightened emotion
overemphasize · distort · misrepresent · overplay · embroider · magnify · hyperbole · oversell
Yielding to desire
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- mercyCompassion toward offenders
grace · forbearance · lenity · permissiveness · liberality · soft-heartedness · compassion · understanding
Cause to believe
- argueVerbally oppose another's view
- reasonBasis or justification
- justifyProvide adequate grounds for
- rationalizeExplain with invented reasons
cajole · coax · plead · appeal · advocate · contend · press · urge
Curve or flex
- construeInterpret meaning or intent
- reinterpretUnderstand in another way
- liberalizeReduce restrictions on
- loosenReduce tension or grip
broaden · widen · expand · extend · rationalize · justify · qualify · hedge
overstate
Represent as greater
dramatize · overemphasize · distort · misrepresent · overplay · embroider · magnify · hyperbole · oversell · overreach
indulgence
Yielding to desire
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- clemencyMerciful treatment of offenders
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
mercy · grace · forbearance · lenity · permissiveness · liberality · soft-heartedness · compassion · understanding · patience
convince
Cause to believe
rationalize · cajole · coax · plead · appeal · advocate · contend · press · urge · insist
bend
Curve or flex
- construeInterpret meaning or intent
- reinterpretUnderstand in another way
- liberalizeReduce restrictions on
loosen · broaden · widen · expand · extend · rationalize · justify · qualify · hedge · nuance
stretch a pointtoe the line
Adhere to standards
play by the rules · split hairs · dot the i's and cross the t's
stretch a pointunderstate
Express with restraint
downplay · minimize · play down · tell it like it is · make light of
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