Meaning of boardinghouse reach | Babel Free

Definitions

1. The ability to reach a long distance across a table to get desired food.
2. The act of reaching across a table to get desired food, often considered poor etiquette because it invades others' personal space.

Examples

“He developed his boardinghouse reach⟳ in the oil fields.”

“There is nothing contrived about this restaurant — it is strictly the basics — good food, good service, and good prices. All you need⟳ is a good boardinghouse reach⟳ and if you don't have⟳ one, then ask⟳ for the food to be passed.”

“Avoid⟳ the boardinghouse reach⟳. Reach⟳ for something only within the invisible boundary that separates your personal space from the other diners'.”

CEFR level