in a pinch
idiom
US
: in a bad situation when help is needed
I can help out in a pinch if you need a babysitter.
In a pinch, you can substitute another ingredient in the recipe.
Examples of in a pinch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Speaking of the Jump Kit, if the Fix Kit player is predisposed with enemies or another task, the impactor’s electric shock can also repair machines in a pinch.
—
Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Here's what to know about trying to get one in a pinch.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Rinsing your suit with clean water will do in a pinch.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
The coordinating shorts have an adjustable drawstring and a comfortable high waist, along with two roomy side pockets to hold your travel essentials in a pinch.
—Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
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Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Here's what to know about trying to get one in a pinch.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
Rinsing your suit with clean water will do in a pinch.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 May 2025
The coordinating shorts have an adjustable drawstring and a comfortable high waist, along with two roomy side pockets to hold your travel essentials in a pinch.
—Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
Cite this Entry
“In a pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20a%20pinch. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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