Google says on 2026-10-07
In the phrase "inch by inch is a cinch,"
cinch means
something that is very easy to do.
[1, 2] Meaning and Context
- Definition: A cinch is an informal word for an effortless task, a sure thing, or a guaranteed success.
- The Saying: The full proverb ("Inch by inch is a cinch; yard by yard is hard") means that tackling a large goal in tiny, manageable steps makes the work easy and stress-free. Trying to swallow the whole thing at once ("by the yard") makes it overwhelming and difficult. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Examples of "Cinch" in Everyday Use
- "Baking this simple cake is a cinch."
- "With a good map, finding the office is a cinch."