Idiom: give an inch

Meaning

Idiom: give an inch

to partly agree to something

Note: This is often used in the negative (not give an inch) to show that someone refuses to agree or compromise at all.

Example sentences

— I had to divorce my husband because he never gave an inch about anything.

— Sometimes if you give an inch, the other person also becomes more agreeable and you can find a solution to the problem.

— As they say: Give an inch and they'll take a mile.

— This time, we're not giving an inch with this client—that's exactly why we insisted he sign a contract after our last dispute.

— I'm willing to give an inch, if my opponent is willing to do the same.

— I'm never going to give an inch to my coworker again because she never agrees with anything I suggest.

— Please don't give an inch with a babysitter again—if she can't come for the entire evening, then we need to hire someone else.

— Your brother never gives an inch in any discussion and it's tiring to talk to him about anything.

Synonyms

find middle ground
trade off
find a happy medium

Antonyms

stand one's ground
stick to one's guns
not budge
take a hardline

Download your free illustrated idioms eBook!

Want to expand your idiom knowledge even further? Download our free eBook, '25 Illustrated Idioms,' to learn more useful expressions with fun visuals that make understanding idioms a breeze. Sign up now to get your free copy!