noun
plural inches
[count] a unit of measurement equal to {frac1/36} yard or {frac1/12} of a foot (2.54 centimeters)
a small amount, distance, or degree
The expression (if you) give them an inch, (and) they'll take a mile means that if you allow people to have a small amount of something that they want, they will take much more of it.
every inch
to the highest degree
inch by inch
by moving very slowly
within an inch of
almost to the point of (something)
verb
always followed by an adverb or preposition inches; inched; inching
to move very slowly or by a small amount in a specified direction or manner [no obj]
US