inch forward
To move forward in a very slow, cautious, and careful way.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The long line of cars began to inch forward.”
“Traffic was so heavy that we could only inch forward for the entire hour.”
“Despite the treacherous terrain and the blinding storm, the exhausted explorers continued to inch forward toward their distant base camp.”
- 01
backwards and forwards
Thoroughly; completely, comprehensively.
- 02
bring forward
To call up for consideration.
- 03
carry forward
To transfer to a new page, column, ledger, or similar entity.
- 04
come forward
To offer help or information, especially about a crime.
- 05
every inch
Totally, completely.
- 06
give someone an inch and someone will take a mile
Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
- 07
inch along
To move slowly or to make progress gradually, bit by bit.
- 08
inch away
To begin to change one's position on a topic; to subtly distance oneself from previous associates, ideas, etc.
Last updated August 10, 2026