strain
131strain 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 …
132strain courtesy — phrasal archaic : to be excessively or unnecessarily punctilious in the minutiae of courtesy : use an excess of civility * * * strain courtesy see under ↑strain1 • • • Main Entry: ↑courteous strain courtesy (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet) To… …
