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