Learning English

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• cut corners
• short-change
• go through a rough patch

Introduction

Sometimes we say things that aren't 100% true. They're not complete lies, but they are a bit of a stretch. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil.

Transcript

Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases and expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them too. I'm Feifei.

Phil
And I'm Phil. Feifei, I found out something really cool last week.

Feifei
Really, what's that?

Phil
I found out that I went to primary school with a famous comedian.

Feifei
Really?

Phil
Well, I was aged four in the nursery, when he was eleven and in year six.

Feifei
So, you were like seven years apart? In different buildings? I think it's a bit of a stretch to say that you went to school with him.

Phil
Ok, well then let's forget my story and we'll just look at that expression 'a bit of a stretch'.

Feifei
Yes, if something is a bit of a stretch, then you're exaggerating – it's not completely untrue, but it's not 100% true either. For example, you say that you wrote a whole presentation, when really you just helped someone else do it. Another example - you might say you can speak German, when really you just know how to say hello in German.

Phil
Let's hear some other people using 'a bit of a stretch'.

Examples
Neil said he could be a professional guitarist, but to be honest, I've heard him play, and I'd say it's a bit of a stretch.

He told me he was an excellent chef, but I've tasted his food, and I think that's a bit of a stretch.

People said that building is one of the most beautiful buildings they've ever seen. I think that's a bit of stretch.

Feifei
We've been learning the expression 'a bit of a stretch' to mean 'an exaggeration'.

Phil
Yes, we can also use 'stretch' as a verb with the same meaning – 'that's stretching it a bit' means 'I don't think that's completely true'.

Feifei
OK. We've learned 'a bit of a stretch', join us next time to learn more English phrases and expressions

Phil
Now, it might be a bit of stretch to say that you'll learn all the English you'll ever need from the next episode, but it'll definitely help.

Feifei
That's right! See you then.

Phil
Bye!

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