ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inch forward

idiom
Meaning

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


Examples
SIMPLE

The long line of cars began to inch forward.

CONTEXTUAL

Traffic was so heavy that we could only inch forward for the entire hour.

COMPLEX

Despite the treacherous terrain and the blinding storm, the exhausted explorers continued to inch forward toward their distant base camp.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bring forward

    To call up for consideration.

  2. 02

    carry forward

    To transfer to a new page, column, ledger, or similar entity.

  3. 03

    come forward

    To offer help or information, especially about a crime.

  4. 04

    every inch

    Totally, completely.

  5. 05

    give someone an inch and someone will take a mile

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

  6. 06

    inch along

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

  7. 07

    inch away

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

  8. 08

    inch back

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

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