at a stretch


at a stretch

Without a break or interruption. The phrase is usually preceded by a length of time. I can only drive five hours at a stretch, so you'll have to take over soon.See also: stretch

at a stretch

continuously; without stopping. We all had to do eight hours of duty at a stretch. The baby doesn't sleep for more than three hours at a stretch.See also: stretch

at a stretch

Also, at one stretch. At one time, during one period. For example, Working quickly, she hoped to finish all the drawings at a stretch. In contrast to the nearly synonymous at a sitting, this idiom, first recorded in 1774, does not imply being seated while engaging in a single continuous activity. Rather, it transfers the meaning of stretch as "a continuous length" to "a continuous time period." See also: stretch

at a stretch

1 in one continuous period. 2 with much effort or difficulty.See also: stretch

at a ˈstretch

(of periods of time) without stopping; continuously: She practises the piano for hours at a stretch. OPPOSITE: in snatchesSee also: stretch