Not an inch意思

"Not an inch" is an English expression that means not even a small amount or not at all. It is often used to emphasize that something is completely denied or refused. Here are a few examples of how it might be used in different contexts:

  1. Refusing to move or give way: In a situation where someone is being very stubborn and refusing to compromise, you might say, "He wouldn't budge not an inch during the negotiations."

  2. Refusing to change one's position or opinion: "She stood her ground, not an inch of her argument was weakened by his counterpoints."

  3. Physical space: If someone is standing too close to you and you want them to move back, you might say, "Please give me some space. Not an inch of this room feels private anymore."

  4. Offering or granting something: "The boss was so strict; he wouldn't give us not an inch on the deadline."

  5. Measuring distance or progress: "After hours of walking, we hadn't made not an inch of progress."

The expression "not an inch" is used for emphasis, suggesting that there was no room for negotiation or movement, and that the situation was completely closed off.