# inch away

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/inch-away
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- He started to inch away from his old friends.
- The politician began to inch away from his previous promises as the election date drew closer.
- As the scandal unfolded, the board members began to inch away from the CEO, hoping to protect their own reputations from the fallout.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.