stretch run
Race's closing segment
The stretch run is the final portion of a race, especially the homestretch of a horse race where competitors make their last push toward the finish line.
The term extends to any closing phase of a competition or endeavor: The team is struggling in the stretch run of the season.
In baseball, stretch run typically refers to the final weeks before playoffs when contending teams intensify their efforts.
- homestretchLast portion before completion
- finalLast and decisive
- sprintBrief maximum-speed effort
- finishBring to completion
- closeNearby or to shut
crunch · crunch time · push · race · pennant race · surge · kick · drive · deadline · marathon · wire · down to the wire · climax · pressure · make or break · endgame · dash · lap
- horse racingthoroughbred, horse racing, racehorse, flat race, horses
- racetrackpit lane, starting line, starting gate, finish line, starting grid
- racing termsbackstretch, checkered flag, daily double, dead heat, exacta
- Pennant Racemagic number, games back, clinch, clinching, contenders
stretch runbeginning
Initial stage of something
first leg · kickoff · outset · starting gate · preseason
stretch runpreseason
Pre-competition practice period
early season · trial period · practice run · tune-up · trial run
stretch, run, stretches, stretched, stretching, stretchy, runs, running, runner