by (any|no) stretch (of the imagination|)
1
used to refer to something that is impossible or is extremely hard to imagine or obtain
The phrase "by any stretch of the imagination" is used to qualify the degree to which something is true, feasible, or possible. When "no" is included, it implies that there is absolutely no way to consider something as true or possible. The origin of this phrase is not precisely documented, but it's a common expression used to emphasize the necessity or impossibility of a situation when assessing it from various perspectives.
- By no stretch of the imagination does the factory operate efficiently.
- This could not by any stretch be seen as a victory.
- By no stretch of the imagination can we consider this project a success; it was a complete failure.
- By any stretch of the imagination, it's impossible to see how this proposal benefits the environment.
- Her artistic abilities are exceptional, and by any stretch of the imagination, she's a talented painter.