inch away
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To very slowly and carefully move away from something.
Literal meaning: To move away one inch at a time — transparent.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To move physically away from something dangerous or uncomfortable in very small, slow steps.
"He spotted the snake on the path and inched away without making any sudden movements."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
To gradually and cautiously distance oneself from a commitment, position, or relationship.
"The company has been inching away from its earlier promises on climate policy."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used both for physical situations (moving away from danger, a wild animal) and for figurative retreating from a position or commitment. The slowness is always the key emphasis.
Commonly used with
slowly carefully danger edge wall threat
Forms
Base
inch away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
inches away
he/she/it
Past simple
inched away
yesterday
Past participle
inched away
have + pp
-ing form
inching away
continuous
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