within an inch of something Definition

inch¹
noun inches

1. In the imperial system: a unit of length equal to 2.54cm or one twelfth of a foot.
2. meteorol., especially formerly
The amount of rain or snow that will cover a surface to the depth of one inch, now usually measured in millimetres.
3. meteorol., especially formerly
A unit of pressure equal to the amount of atmospheric pressure required to balance the weight of a column of mercury one inch high, now usually measured in millibars.
4. A small amount or distance.

Example: It wouldn't budge an inch
Example: The ball only missed me by inches
Thesaurus: small degree, iota, jot.
Form: inches (also)
5. Stature.

Form: inches


Example: inch-tape

verb

tr & intr
inched, inching
1. To move or be moved slowly, carefully and by small degrees. See also inch something out below.

Example: inched forward to see if any cars were coming
Form: inch along, forward, out etc (especially)

Idiom: every inch

Completely; in every way.
Example: He's every inch a gentleman
Thesaurus: thoroughly, entirely, in all respects.

Idiom: inch by inch (by inches)

Gradually; by small degrees.
Thesaurus: slowly, by degrees, step by step.

Idiom: within an inch of something

Very close to or almost as far as it.

Idiom: within an inch of one's life

Almost to the point of death; very thoroughly.
Example: beat him within an inch of his life

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon ynce, from Latin uncia a twelfth part; see also ounce.

Phrasal Verb: inch someone out

To outdo or defeat them by a very small amount.

Phrasal Verb: inch something out

To measure out or dispense it very cautiously or in tiny amounts.