At a stretch refers to the action or state of doing something continuously or without interruption for a prolonged period. The phrase often implies accomplishing a task, completing an activity, or enduring a circumstance without taking breaks or pauses in between.
When used in this context, at a stretch suggests that the activity or circumstance can be strenuous, demanding, or tiring. It characterizes the act of pushing oneself to the limit, possibly striving to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge relentlessly. The duration of the task or circumstance may vary depending on the context; it can be a few minutes, hours, days, or even longer.
For example, if someone says they studied for eight hours at a stretch, it means they worked uninterruptedly for that entire period. Similarly, if a person claims they ran ten miles at a stretch, it signifies that they ran the entire distance without taking breaks.
The phrase can also be used in a figurative sense to describe an extended period of time during which something happens. For instance, "It rained for three days at a stretch," indicates continuous rainfall without any pause for a total of three days.
Overall, the term at a stretch highlights uninterrupted endurance, persistence, or duration, emphasizing the commitment and focus required to accomplish a particular act or withstand a circumstance without taking a break.
