inch back
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To very slowly come back to where you were before.
Literal meaning: To move back one inch at a time — transparent.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
To return to a previous physical position in very slow, small movements.
"She inched back toward the exit, keeping her eyes on the sleeping bear."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
For figures, standings, or conditions to slowly return toward a previous level.
"Consumer confidence is inching back after months of uncertainty."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Used both physically (someone inching back along a ledge) and figuratively (prices, poll numbers, confidence inching back). Common in financial and political journalism to describe slow recovery.
Commonly used with
prices polls confidence slowly recovery lead territory
Forms
Base
inch back
I/you/we/they
3rd person
inches back
he/she/it
Past simple
inched back
yesterday
Past participle
inched back
have + pp
-ing form
inching back
continuous
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