Meaning

Half inch

The meaning of the phrase

Pinch (steal).

Pronunciation
Half inch

What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Half inch’?

Cockney rhyming slang.

Examples of use

  • It's hopeless - whenever I try to start a DIY job I find that someone has half-inched some of my tools.

UsageMostly Britain.

From the Phrase Finder idioms collection, written by Gary Martin.

Historical trend

“Half inch” in printed material over time

Source: Google Books Ngrams (1820–2020).

18201840186018801900192019401960198020002020
  • Half inch