strain\ a\ point

strain\ a\ point
• stretch a point
• strain a point
v. phr.
To permit something different or more than usual; not tell the exact truth or make an exception.

Mother stretched a point because it was Christmas time and let the children stay up later than usual.

It's straining a point to call Joe a hero just because he saved the kitten from drowning in the bathtub.


Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • strain a point — phrasal : to go beyond a usual, accepted, or proper limit or rule : stretch one s conscience or authority usually because of exceptional circumstances willing to strain a point because of his excellent record * * * strain a point To waive a doubt …   Useful english dictionary

  • strain a point — See: STRETCH A POINT …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • strain a point — See: STRETCH A POINT …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • To strain a point — Strain Strain, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Strained}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Straining}.] [OF. estraindre, estreindre, F. [ e]treindre, L. stringere to draw or bind tight; probably akin to Gr. ? a halter, ? that which is squeezwd out, a drop, or perhaps to E …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • To strain a point — Point Point, n. [F. point, and probably also pointe, L. punctum, puncta, fr. pungere, punctum, to prick. See {Pungent}, and cf. {Puncto}, {Puncture}.] 1. That which pricks or pierces; the sharp end of anything, esp. the sharp end of a piercing… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • strain a point — phrasal to go beyond a usual, accepted, or proper limit or rule …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • Strain — Strain, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Strained}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Straining}.] [OF. estraindre, estreindre, F. [ e]treindre, L. stringere to draw or bind tight; probably akin to Gr. ? a halter, ? that which is squeezwd out, a drop, or perhaps to E. strike …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Point — Point, n. [F. point, and probably also pointe, L. punctum, puncta, fr. pungere, punctum, to prick. See {Pungent}, and cf. {Puncto}, {Puncture}.] 1. That which pricks or pierces; the sharp end of anything, esp. the sharp end of a piercing… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Point lace — Point Point, n. [F. point, and probably also pointe, L. punctum, puncta, fr. pungere, punctum, to prick. See {Pungent}, and cf. {Puncto}, {Puncture}.] 1. That which pricks or pierces; the sharp end of anything, esp. the sharp end of a piercing… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Point net — Point Point, n. [F. point, and probably also pointe, L. punctum, puncta, fr. pungere, punctum, to prick. See {Pungent}, and cf. {Puncto}, {Puncture}.] 1. That which pricks or pierces; the sharp end of anything, esp. the sharp end of a piercing… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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