by inches

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by inches

They carefully slid the heavy box by inches across the wooden floor.

Definition

Adverb 1. By a very small distance or margin; gradually and narrowly: This phrase describes an action or event that happens or is achieved with only a tiny amount of space or degree to spare. It emphasizes a slow, incremental, or extremely close progression.

Usage

The phrase "by inches" is used to modify a verb, describing how an action was completed. It highlights a result that was nearly not achieved or a process that was painstakingly slow and close.

Examples
  • The car missed the pedestrian by inches. (The distance between the car and the pedestrian was extremely small.)
  • He escaped the falling debris by inches. (He was almost hit; the space between him and the debris was minimal.)
  • The team won the championship by inches, with a last-second goal. (The victory margin was extremely narrow.)
  • The climber inched his way up the cliff face, progressing by inches. (He moved forward very slowly and gradually.)
Advanced Usage
  • Figurative Use: It can be used figuratively to describe a narrow escape from a non-physical threat or a very close outcome.
    • She passed the difficult exam by inches. (Her score was just above the passing grade.)
    • The bill was defeated in parliament by inches. (The vote was very close.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Inch by inch (Adverbial phrase): An even stronger emphasis on slow, gradual, and meticulous progress.
    • We cleared the rubble from the site, inch by inch.
  • Within an inch of (one's life) (Idiom): To an extreme degree, often referring to a severe beating or fright.
    • The old tree was stripped bare by the storm, within an inch of its life.
Synonyms
  • By a hair's breadth
  • By a narrow margin
  • Just barely
  • Narrowly
  • Closely
Antonyms
  • By a mile
  • By a wide margin
  • Easily
  • Comfortably
Related Idioms
  • Give someone an inch and they'll take a mile: A warning that if you concede a small amount to someone, they will take much more.
  • Every inch a (something): Completely and in every way.
    • He is every inch a professional.
by inches

They carefully slid the heavy box by inches across the wooden floor.

Adverb
  1. by a short distance
    • they moved it by inches

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