# inch up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to move forward or increase very slowly, a little bit at a time. You use this when something changes by small amounts.

For teachers: to move or increase gradually and by small increments. Often used to describe slow, steady progress in physical position or numerical value.

## Examples

- The car started to inch up in the heavy traffic.
- As the deadline approached, the temperature in the office seemed to inch up along with everyone's stress levels.
- Despite the economic downturn, consumer confidence began to inch up as inflation figures showed signs of stabilizing.

## Usage notes

- often used with 'to' or 'towards' when describing a target or destination.
- Teaching tip: point out that 'inch' functions as a verb here, using the unit of measurement to emphasize the small scale of the movement.

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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.