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to stretch one's arm no further than one's sleeve (will reach / )
to stretch one's arm no further than one's sleeve (will reach)
01
to limit one's spending or ambitions to what one can actually afford or achieve, avoiding any form of debt or overreach
![to [stretch] {one's} arm no further than {one's} [sleeve] (will reach|) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/41930/original/?type=jpeg "to [stretch] {one's} arm no further than {one's} [sleeve] (will reach|) definition and meaning")
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "stretch one's arm no further than one's sleeve " and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "stretch one's arm no further than one's sleeve " is not clear, but it likely developed from the idea of being cautious and not overreaching or attempting more than one can handle. This phrase is used to advise someone not to take on more tasks, responsibilities, or commitments than they can manage effectively.
Examples
After looking at our budget, we decided to stretch our arm no further than our sleeve would reach.
