stretch     (str ch) KEY 

VERB:
stretched, stretch·ing, stretch·es
VERB:
tr.

1. To lengthen, widen, or distend: stretched the sweater out of shape.
2. To cause to extend from one place to another or across a given space: stretched the banner between two poles.
3. To make taut; tighten: stretched the tarpaulin until it ripped.
4. To reach or put forth; extend: stretched out his hand.
5.  
   1. To extend (oneself or one’s limbs, for example) to full length: stretched her calves before running.
   2. To extend (oneself) when lying down: she stretched herself out on the couch.
   3. To put to torture on the rack.
6. To wrench or strain (a muscle, for example).
7.  
   1. To extend or enlarge beyond the usual or proper limits: stretch the meaning of a word.
   2. To subject to undue strain: to stretch one’s patience.
8.  
   1. To expand in order to fulfill a larger function: stretch a budget; stretch a paycheck.
   2. To increase the quantity of by admixture or dilution: stretch a meal by thinning the stew.
9. To prolong: stretch out an argument.
10. Informal To fell by a blow: stretched his opponent in the first round.

Even though in the process of editing my last manuscript I was doing a lot of taking away and the object was not to expand, I found that the exercise stretched me beyond where I had gone before.

How have you stretched yourself recently? Have you stretched yourself or have you been a limp rubber band?

Now excuse me while I beg someone for a massage. These muscles are sore!

Best,

Kwana