Not budge/give/move an inch
phrase
To not change a position, decision, or viewpoint, even a little bit.
Despite the intense negotiations, the seller would not budge an inch on the price of the house.
Often appears as...
- not budge an inch from
- not give an inch on
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To literally not move at all.
The stubborn mule would not budge an inch, no matter how much they tried to move it.
Often appears as...
- not budge an inch from
- not give an inch of
phrase
To resist or withstand pressure or force.
Despite the powerful storm, the sturdy house did not budge an inch.
Often appears as...
- not budge an inch under
- not give an inch to
phrase
To not change a position, decision, or viewpoint, even a little bit.
Despite the intense negotiations, the seller would not budge an inch on the price of the house.
Often appears as...
- not budge an inch from
- not give an inch on
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To literally not move at all.
The stubborn mule would not budge an inch, no matter how much they tried to move it.
Often appears as...
- not budge an inch from
- not give an inch of
phrase
To resist or withstand pressure or force.
Despite the powerful storm, the sturdy house did not budge an inch.
Often appears as...
- not budge an inch under
- not give an inch to
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically, to indicate strong determination, not physical immobility.
He wouldn't give an inch during the debate, sticking to his point.
Pro Tip 2/3Argument Context
Use this when someone remains strict or stubborn in an argument or negotiation.
In the budget meeting, the CFO didn't move an inch on the cuts.
Pro Tip 3/3No Compromise
It implies no willingness to compromise or make concessions.
The union did not budge an inch on their demands for higher wages.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically, to indicate strong determination, not physical immobility.
He wouldn't give an inch during the debate, sticking to his point.
Pro Tip 2/3Argument Context
Use this when someone remains strict or stubborn in an argument or negotiation.
In the budget meeting, the CFO didn't move an inch on the cuts.
Pro Tip 3/3No Compromise
It implies no willingness to compromise or make concessions.
The union did not budge an inch on their demands for higher wages.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is often used metaphorically, to indicate strong determination, not physical immobility.
He wouldn't give an inch during the debate, sticking to his point.
Pro Tip 2/3Argument Context
Use this when someone remains strict or stubborn in an argument or negotiation.
In the budget meeting, the CFO didn't move an inch on the cuts.
Pro Tip 3/3No Compromise
It implies no willingness to compromise or make concessions.
The union did not budge an inch on their demands for higher wages.
Never forget "Not budge/give/move an inch"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension