- To exaggerate or bend the facts slightly, often to make oneself or a situation look better, without telling an outright lie.
Explanation
Origin
- The expression uses the physical metaphor of stretching an object.
- Just as stretching rubber changes its shape without breaking it, stretching the truth means altering the facts slightly, making them seem more impressive or less damaging, but maintaining a connection to the actual event.
- It implies distorting reality rather than fabricating it entirely.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Bullshitting / BS-ing (Cruder, implies more blatant deception or nonsense)
- Gassing (UK slang: bragging or exaggerating)
- Capping (AAVE origin: lying or exaggerating; often used as no cap meaning no lie)
- Talking it up
- Bigging it up (UK)
- Hyping
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Lying through your teeth (Implies more deliberate and obvious lying)
- Talking out of your ass/arse (Implies talking nonsense or lies)
Milder:
- Embellishing
- Exaggerating
- Bending the facts
- Not the whole story
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- It implies mild dishonesty, less severe than 'lying'.
- Avoid using it when absolute accuracy is critical (e.g., legal testimony, scientific data).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might confuse it with outright lying or not grasp the nuance of exaggeration vs. fabrication.
Examples
- He stretched the truth about his sales numbers to impress the boss.
- Saying the fish was 'huge' when it was just average size is stretching the truth.
- To get the interview, she stretched the truth about her fluency in French.
Dialogue
Liam: My brother told me he ran a marathon in under three hours!
Chloe: Knowing your brother's tendency to brag, I think he might be stretching the truth. Maybe check the official results?
Liam: Haha, probably a good idea. He does like to make his stories sound better.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Job candidates often stretch the truth on their resumes. Always verify experience! #HR #Recruiting
- Comment: He said he 'almost' won? Lol sounds like he's stretching the truth again. 😂
- Post: Is it ever okay to stretch the truth a little to spare someone's feelings? 🤔 #Ethics #Honesty
Response Patterns
- Skepticism: Really? Are you sure about that?
- Gentle challenge: Are you sure you're not stretching the truth a little?
- Agreement (if discussing someone else): Yeah, he tends to stretch the truth.
- Disapproval: You shouldn't stretch the truth; just be honest.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing someone might be stretching the truth:
- Ask for specific details: What exactly did they say happened?
- Express doubt: That sounds a bit exaggerated.
- Seek confirmation: Do you really believe that?
If accused of stretching the truth:
- Defend the statement: No, that's really how it was!
- Modify the statement: Okay, maybe I exaggerated slightly, but...
- Confess: Yeah, alright, I might have stretched the truth a bit.
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually used to comment on or challenge a statement already made.
Intonation
- Emphasis usually falls on stretch.
- He definitely STRETCHED the truth about his qualifications.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood across generations. Slang alternatives vary more by age.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions. UK slang alternatives like 'gassing' or 'bigging it up' are specific.