give/budge an inch

phrase

: to make even a slight change in opinion or attitude

I begged him to reconsider, but he wouldn't give/budge an inch.

Examples of give/budge an inch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Neither player wanted to give an inch to the other, as there was plenty of grappling and uncalled fouls as the duo battled for positioning. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2026

Nishel Travel Hanging Toiletry Bag None of your toiletries will budge an inch while traveling with this hanging toiletry bag, on sale for $18. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 27 Nov. 2025

In one sequence, the Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet of SVG went on the inside of Larson's Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, although Larson did not give an inch, leading to contact and the exchange of car paint. — Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025

On the other end, there are some people who just will not give an inch. — Dalton Ross, EW.com, 25 Aug. 2025