Tailoring Terms

noun a unit of linear measure equal to one twelfth of a foot (2.54 cm)

• The carpenter measured the board to be exactly 36 inches long.
• I need to move my chair an inch to the left.
• I wouldn't give him an inch in the argument.
• She was willing to go the extra inch to make sure the project was a success.

noun a unit or standard of measurement

verb to determine the quantity, extent, or capacity of something by using a standard unit or scale

• The chef carefully measured out the ingredients for the recipe.
• Can you help me measure out the flour for the cake?
• I eyeballed it instead of measuring out the spices.
• It's important to measure out your words before speaking in a heated argument.

noun a type of stitch used to prevent fabric from unraveling

verb to sew with a hem

• The tailor carefully hemmed the edges of the dress to ensure a clean finish.
• I'll just quickly hem these pants before we head out.
• She's really good at hemming, she can fix anything!
• His emotions were hemmed in, unable to express how he truly felt.