The original link between "measure" and "have room" seems curious to me, usage-wise.
The original link between "measure" and "have room" seems curious to me, usage-wise.
Yes, it's indeed a bit contrived. It could've been "it is measured out to me" > "it is allotted to me" > "I have room". It's our best bet, but in the absence of further cognates it's nothing more than a theory.
I'm trying to think of other similar developments with "measure" and "opportunity" words, but I can't think of any.