overstretch
1 of 2noun
over·stretch ˈō-vər-ˌstrech 
plural overstretches
: the act or an instance of stretching something beyond normal limits
an overstretch of political power
… a classic case of military and economic overstretch.
Robert G. Patman
Robert G. Patmanoverstretch
2 of 2verb
over·stretch ˌō-vər-ˈstrech
overstretched; overstretching
transitive + intransitive
: to stretch (something or someone) to excess or beyond normal limits
Worsted yarn, and any yarn inclined to "kink" should be weighted slightly as it dries, but take care not to overstretch the wool. Eileen Hobden
Eileen Hobdentemperature changes causing the tire to overstretch
They overstretched [=overextended] themselves financially.
Too few staff means overstretched [=overburdened] crews and patients waiting for longer. Christina McAnea
Christina McAnea
Word History
First Known Use
Noun
1749, in the meaning defined above
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing overstretch
- there the similarity ends
- there you are
- there you are/go
- there you go
- there you have it
- there'd
- there'll
- there's
- there's (something for you
- there's a sucker born every minute
- there's no accounting for taste
- there's no denying
- there's no dishonor in
- there's no fool like an old fool
- there's no getting away from
- there's no going back
- there's no holding him back
- there's no saying
- there's no smoke without fire
- there's no telling
- there's no time like the present
- there's one born every minute
- there's someone) for you
- there've
- there, there