by inches

idiom

: by a small amount, distance, or degree
The bullet missed my head by inches.

Examples of by inches in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The game ended in frustrating manner as Trinity Rodman, the game’s standout player for the US, took one last shot from outside the box and missed the top corner by inches. Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 16 July 2024 The drivers of two other vehicles, in lanes on either side of the SUV, escaped death by inches. Dan Rodricks, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2024 Microsoft missed earnings by inches but is still ahead by miles. Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 31 July 2024 And Swanson missed by inches in the 75th minute after a great run by substitute Jaedyn Shaw set her up. Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for by inches 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'by inches.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near by inches

Cite this Entry

“By inches.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20inches. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!