Absolute element inheriting relative parent div's width

Question

I am trying to position a gradient over an inline / inline-block anchor link, and have that gradient inherit the width of that parent anchor. The problem is that the span either

Answer 1

Can't be done with position: absolute as far as I can see.

I'm not sure whether this will serve you, but how about giving the a position: relative and the a span

left: 0px;
right: 0px;
top: 0px;
bottom: 0px;

?