'high-reaching' originates from the combination of 'high' and 'reach,' where 'high' meant 'elevated' and 'reach' meant 'to extend or stretch.'

'high-reaching' evolved from the Old English word 'hēah' for 'high' and 'rǣcan' for 'reach,' eventually forming the modern English compound adjective 'high-reaching.'

Initially, it meant 'to extend to a great height,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'ambitious or aspiring to achieve great things.'