by inches

• Идиоматическое выражение, означающее постепенно, мало-помалу или очень маленькими шагами, часто используется для описания медленного процесса изменения или движения.

An idiomatic expression meaning gradually, little by little, or by very small degrees, often used to describe a slow process of change or movement.

1. Very slowly or graduallyB2informal

   Moving or progressing by very small increments, often used to describe a slow, painful, or careful process.

   По сантиметру

   • The rescue team moved the boulder by inches.
   • His health improved by inches after the surgery.
   • The negotiations advanced by inches, with each side making tiny concessions.

2. Narrowly or barelyB2informal

   By a very small margin or distance; almost not.

   Едва-едва

   • The car missed the pedestrian by inches.
   • He escaped the falling tree by inches.
   • The team won the game by inches, with a last-second goal.