ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inch along

idiom
Meaning

To move slowly or to make progress gradually, bit by bit.


Examples
SIMPLE

Traffic is heavy, so we just inch along.

CONTEXTUAL

The train had to inch along the tracks because of the heavy snow covering the rails.

COMPLEX

As the project deadline approached, the team watched their progress inch along, fearing they would never complete the complex requirements in time.

Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    every inch

    Totally, completely.

  2. 02

    give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

    Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

  3. 03

    inch away

    To begin to change one's position on a topic; to subtly distance oneself from previous associates, ideas, etc.

  4. 04

    inch back

    To move something backward by a very small amount, often in a slow and gradual way.

  5. 05

    inch by inch

    Gradually or incrementally.

  6. 06

    inch forward

    To move forward in a very slow, cautious, and careful way.

  7. 07

    inch up

    To move or increase by small increments, typically slowly and carefully.

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