inch by inch
Gradually or incrementally.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The baby moved across the floor inch by inch.”
“The hikers climbed the steep mountain path inch by inch until they reached the summit.”
“As the heavy fog rolled over the harbor, the captain guided the massive ship toward the dock inch by inch to avoid a collision.”
- 01
every inch
Totally, completely.
- 02
give someone an inch and someone will take a mile
Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
- 03
inch along
To move slowly or to make progress gradually, bit by bit.
- 04
inch away
To begin to change one's position on a topic; to subtly distance oneself from previous associates, ideas, etc.
- 05
inch back
To move something backward by a very small amount, often in a slow and gradual way.
- 06
inch forward
To move forward in a very slow, cautious, and careful way.
- 07
inch up
To move or increase by small increments, typically slowly and carefully.
Last updated August 10, 2026