inch up
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To go up little by little, very slowly.
Literal meaning: To move up one inch at a time — transparent.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
For a number, price, or level to rise very slowly and gradually.
"Inflation has been inching up steadily over the past three months."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral
To move physically upward in tiny, cautious increments.
"He inched up the ladder, gripping each rung tightly."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in financial, economic, and political reporting. Often used for prices, interest rates, poll numbers, and temperatures. Also used physically for slow upward movement.
Commonly used with
prices rates temperature poll numbers inflation costs
Forms
Base
inch up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
inches up
he/she/it
Past simple
inched up
yesterday
Past participle
inched up
have + pp
-ing form
inching up
continuous
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