half-inch

slang To steal something. The phrase comes from rhyming slang in which "half-inch" rhymes with "pinch" (meaning to steal or pilfer). Primarily heard in UK. If Mom finds out you half-inched that lipstick, you'll be in so much trouble! Relax, I just half-inched a little toy from the store—no one will ever know. Once Molly got arrested for shoplifting, that taught her to stop half-inching things.