8 Interesting Idioms You Can Use With The Word ‘Inch’


There are several idiomatic expressions in the English language that use units of measurement to describe different things figuratively or to make an observation. A commonly used word in such idioms is ‘inch’. If you want to be amazed that how many ways can inch be used in idioms, then read on!


8. Every inch a (something)

To ‘be every inch a (something)’ or ‘every inch the (something) is to resemble or embody a stereotypical look or trait to nearly an exact match.

  E.g. Once he got into his new Armani suit, he looked every inch a Hollywood starlet

7. Within an inch of (one’s) life


This means to beat someone so severely that the person comes very close (within an inch, figuratively) to death.

E.g. The rioters beat up the man so badly that he within an inch of his life at the hospital.

6. To move by inches/inch by inch

This means to move or progress very slowly, either physically or in a task.

E.g. Rahul’s project moved inch by inch and his teachers were concerned whether he would be able to finish it.

5. Come within an inch of

Come very near to achieving an objective.

E.g. Barcelona came within an inch of defeating Liverpool, but were stopped by Mo Salah’s hattrick.

4. Every inch/Every square inch

This refers to every part of a place or surface

E.g. Every inch of the kid’s room was strewn with toys.

3. Give (someone) an inch and (that person) will take a mile

This is used to express that if you make a modest concession for someone then that person will extract more from you.

E.g. Rohan lend Pankaj some money when he was facing hardship but it soon became the habit of the latter to ask for more. He gave Pankaj an inch who took a mile.  

2. Give an inch/Budge an inch/Move an inch

This is usually used to allude to someone who is unwilling to make any sort of compromise.

E.g. The MLAs were unwilling to budge an inch on the issue of corruption.

1. Inch-perfect

 Something that is extremely accurate, very well placed or perfectly judged. It is used especially in cases of moves, shots, or maneuvers in sports.

E.g. With barely a few seconds left in the match, Messi managed an inch-perfect goal from the half-way line.


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