Phrase guide

within an inch of one's life

prep_phrase · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American, Received-Pronunciation: /wɪðˌɪn ən ˈɪntʃ əv wʌnz ˈlaɪf/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -aɪf

1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

To a point where one is at great risk of death; or (figuratively, hyperbolic) of severe danger or trouble.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: within an inch of one's skin

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Almost as much as possible; to an extreme extent.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: excessive, figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Hungarian: félholtra — to a point where one is at great risk of death
  • Hungarian: kis/hajszál híján agyon- — to a point where one is at great risk of death
  • Serbo-Croatian: na rubu smrti — to a point where one is at great risk of death
  • Hungarian: agyba-főbe — to a point of severe danger or trouble
  • Hungarian: hogy attól koldul — to a point of severe danger or trouble
  • Hungarian: alaposan — almost as much as possible; to an extreme extent
  • Serbo-Croatian: za dlaku — almost as much as possible; to an extreme extent