- 1. [n, vs, vi] standing on tiptoe and stretching one's back to make oneself taller; stretching oneself
- 2. [n, vs, vi] overreaching oneself; overstretching oneself; trying to do something beyond one's ability; pushing to the limit
Kanji in this word
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背
stature, height, back, behind, disobey, defy, go back on, rebelOn: ハイ (hai)Kun: せ (se)、 せい (sei)、 そむ.く (somu.ku)、 そむ.ける (somu.keru)
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伸
expand, stretch, extend, lengthen, increaseOn: シン (shin)Kun: の.びる (no.biru)、 の.ばす (no.basu)、 の.べる (no.beru)、 の.す (no.su)
Example Sentences
彼は背伸びをして失敗した。
He bit off more than he could chew.