give an inch

give an inch

To compromise with someone and make allowances for what they want. I know you want Italian for dinner, but can't you give an inch so that we can find a place that works for both for us?
See also: give, inch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • give someone an inch and they'll take a mile
  • give someone an inch
  • Give an inch and he'll take a mile
  • inch by inch
  • inch
  • lot of give-and-take
  • give and take
  • every inch
  • every inch a/the (something)
  • every inch of (something)
References in periodicals archive
Some commentators suggest that it is best to keep the land we have and not give an inch for TC participation and hope to have the gas revenues for ourselves!
The President has missed his chance
Absent in a straight-sets Game 1 loss, Ateneo's towering blockers did not give an inch on Wednesday as the Lady Eagles frustrated the hobbling yet courageous Tigresses before close to 20,000 screaming souls-most of them forming a sea of gold-at Mall of Asia Arena.
Not today
The reason the likes of Juncker and Barnier will not give an inch and treat Theresa May like a leper is that they are terrified that we will prosper (as we surely will) and there will be a queue of other countries banging on the door to get out and join us, as there are already rumblings of that happening.
Europe is terrified we will prosper
"They (Pakistan Army) will not give an inch and our Army will not give even half an inch of Kashmir.
Army won't give half an inch of Kashmir: Natwar Singh
This was a hard-fought and fascinating day as both sides refused to give an inch.
Tattersall leads a late fightback after Yorkshire struggle
IS claimed responsibility as President Emmanuel Macron said: "France has once again paid in blood but will not give an inch to the enemies of freedom." Prosecutor Francois Molins said Asimov's parents had been held.
Paris stab attacker was on terror list
The penalty shoot-out was just as tight with neither side willing to give an inch.
Bain pays the penalty as Clydesdale earn semis spot
Frank Field, who chairs the Work and Pensions Committee, said letters he had received since a parliamentary inquiry was launched suggested they "refused to give an inch" to the company's pension schemes.
Carillion chiefs accused of contempt for duties
MPs have accused former bosses at Carillion of "refusing to give an inch" over plugging the firm's pension deficit.
CARILLION IN PENSION ROW; CITYDESK For live business news visit
However, it remains one of sport's great rivalries built on decades of keen competition with neither team prepared to give an inch.
Painful, but Ashes is still unmissable
Every jockey understandably wants to do well and, as a result, no one will ever give an inch in terms of position.
Course deserves plaudits for horse welfare initiative
We don't like to ask or give an inch and I like it that way.
Bollywood is not on my mind: Shoaib Akhtar Or Shoaib Akhtar chooses family over films
"England never give an inch to rivals but we are prepared to fight in London."
SWISS WON'T ROLL OVER
Neither set of players will want to give an inch as last season's top two get tucked into each other ahead of the campaign's official kick-off on August 8.
Champions set their sights on more silverware
No team will give an inch this lunchtime, but an honourable draw would be the perfect result for both managers.
BOYS IN GREEN EYEING BIG ONE