stretch a point

“He emphasised the value of concessions for extra fuelling facilities in Brazil, whose Government had shown great willingness to stretch a point in his favour; and he pointed out the desirability of keeping large and valuable ships out of the Pernambuco area, where British trade was comparatively small and where it was impossible to maintain a patrol owing to fuelling restrictions.”

Graf Spee

“Whereas Drake was famous for his game of bowls, it might well be said that Commodore Harwood's golf and pleasing, "typically British" personality were two factors which did much to ensure that at the outbreak of war the South American republics (despite the high percentage of Germans living there and forming a virulent and noisy Fifth Column) were all - pro-British and willing to stretch a point or two in Har - wood's favour.”

Graf Spee