idioms using “inch”

Come within an inch of

To come very close to something

“The supervisor came within an inch of resigning when he learned that he wasn’t getting a salary increase.”

Every inch the (something)

In every way; completely

“Mr. Smith is every inch the gentleman; you will enjoy having dinner with him.”

Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile

Used to describe a person who takes more than she or he is given

“Don’t let Horiguchi-san borrow your car for a quick errand; he’s likely to keep it all weekend. Give him an inch and he’ll take a mile.”

Inch one’s way along

To go extremely slowly

“As we inched our way along in the morning traffic, we realized we would miss our flight.”

Inch over

To move over a little bit

“Could you inch over so that one more person can fit on the bench?”