at a stretch

Idioms  

1. 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.”

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Example Sentences

And looking at the numbers, one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget is finding ways to reduce your food waste.

From Salon • Jul. 2, 2026

Sitting on folding chairs and under portable awnings or standing on concrete steps and bridges, the crowd seemed to stretch from the water’s edge to the horizon.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2026

Other companies that have in recent years broadened their purview to stretch across multiple pillars of the real estate ecosystem have not been rewarded by investors this year.

From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026

U.S. stock-index futures rose slightly on Sunday, as Wall Street looks to stretch the market’s record-setting rally into June.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

It had been so cold that his father had relented and allowed Pax inside early to stretch out close to the fire.

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker