# inch by inch

idiom

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

## Meaning

Gradually or incrementally.

## Examples

- 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.

---

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.