inch by inch

every inch

Totally, completely.

give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

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

inch along

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

inch away

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

inch back

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

inch forward

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

inch up

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