by any stretch of the imagination

(redirected from not by any stretch)

by any stretch of the imagination

As much or as far as one is able to imagine or believe. Usually used in the negative. It's looking like we're not going to win by any stretch of the imagination. I can't see by any stretch of the imagination how we're going to pull this off.
See also: any, by, imagination, of, stretch

by any stretch of the imagination

as much as anyone could imagine; as much as is imaginable. (Often negative.) I don't see how anyone by any stretch of the imagination could fail to understand what my last sentence meant.
See also: any, by, imagination, of, stretch

by any stretch of the imagination

If something is not true by any stretch of the imagination, it is definitely not true. The Danube was not by any stretch of the imagination blue. Note: People sometimes just say by any stretch. He is not regarded as a serious biographer by any stretch.
See also: any, by, imagination, of, stretch
References in periodicals archive ?
A yes vote from the X Factor judges is not by any stretch of the imagination "amazing".
Amazing? Not really; You Say Email:letters@liverpoolecho.co.uk
The long-serving striker told the Chronicle: "This isn't our season over, not by any stretch of the imagination.
SON'T WRITE TOON OFF-SHOLA; Ameobi: We must stay positive
OWNER Gary Newbon thought my description of Droopys Greg's Hove victory two weeks ago as 'workmanlike' was a little unfair, but the win could not by any stretch be called impressive and he makes only limited appeal heading the market for the Coral Greyhound Olympic.
Olympic gold on for 8-1 Jazz; JONATHAN KAY
And while it's not a masterpiece, not by any stretch, Colin is certainly not drivel.
Just pounds 45 to bring zombie flick to life
Lawrence Seaway was not easily built, not by any stretch of the imagination.
Pandora's Locks
It's not by any stretch of the imagination an easy ride, but it deserves attention and applause.
Tough to watch, but worth it; REVIEW
The volume levels stated are not by any stretch of the imagination unreasonable.
Letter: Your Say - Festival is so good for city
He added: "This is not by any stretch of the imagination the proper course of events.
A MOTHER'S GRIEF; Family tears as tragic hols girl Ashling is laid to rest
If Patricia Lewis reads the Bible she will find that the fictitious 'God' is not by any stretch of the imagination very loving and certainly not 'pro-life' given his record for ordering mass murders, rapes, child abuse and, indeed, the killing of the unborn.
Thanks for 'Springer'
Asked if Wimbledon was an impossible dream, he replied: 'No it is not, it is not by any stretch of the imagination.
Tennis: Wimbledon 2005: but don't forget about me, insists Henman
Asked if Wimbledon was an impossible dream, he said: "No it is not, it is not by any stretch of the imagination.
Henman looking forward to the good times
We're not bankrupt, not by any stretch of the imagination," says Ebrabimoff, "but we're finding that it's not profitable to be in the American market anymore.
Kelaty pulling out of U.S., won't move to mass level
Rachael Landin, defending, said: "He is not by any stretch of the imagination the most sophisticated of criminal.
Man allowed robbery suspect to stay in home
Not all the time, not by any stretch of the imagination.
O'Neill: We've had to adjust without Carew; VILLA V ALBION
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