backstretch

[ bak-strech ]

/ ˈbækˈstrɛtʃ /

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noun

the straight part of a race track opposite the part leading to the finish line.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Compare homestretch.

Origin of backstretch

First recorded in 1830–40; back¹ + stretch

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use backstretch in a sentence

Jack spread out, increasing his lead as they entered the back stretch.
The Sweep Winner|Nat Gould
Entering the back stretch there was a sudden shifting of the coloured jackets.
Old Man Curry|Charles E. (Charles Emmett) Van Loan
Stretched upon the bare schist, commanding the back stretch, they munched slices of raw bacon.
The Crimson Gardenia and Other Tales of Adventure|Rex Beach
At the first turn "Black Hand Tom" passed one and then, on the back stretch, went by the other!
Adventures in Swaziland|Owen Rowe O'Neil

The moment Britton makes that move on the back-stretch Clayton loosens his wrap and Azra responds.
History of the Kentucky Derby, 1875-1921|John Lawrence O'Connor

British Dictionary definitions for backstretch

back stretch

noun

a horse-racing term for back straight

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012