# inch forward

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/inch-forward
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to move ahead very slowly, bit by bit. You use this when progress is difficult or takes a long time.

For teachers: To advance by small increments or degrees. The verb is typically intransitive in this construction and often describes slow progress in metaphorical contexts such as negotiations or projects.

## Examples

- The cars inch forward in the heavy morning traffic.
- After hours of debate, the two sides finally began to inch forward toward a peace agreement.
- Despite the complexity of the legal framework, the investigation continued to inch forward as new evidence slowly came to light.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The line inched forward the door." but "The line inched forward toward the door." — The phrase is intransitive and requires a preposition to link the movement to a destination.

## Usage notes

- This phrase is usually intransitive and does not take a direct object.
- Teaching tip: Use the measurement 'inch' as a visual anchor to illustrate the tiny scale of each movement compared to a 'leap' or 'jump'.

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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.