# inch forward

idiom

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

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

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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.