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
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Vegas can count on Jack Eichel, William Karlsson and Tomas Hertl at centre, and Nicolas Roy can kick into the middle in a pinch, too. Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 20 Feb. 2025 Guard Grey Zabel, North Dakota State: A college left tackle, Zabel could play anywhere on the line at the next level in a pinch, but is best suited as a center or guard. Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 The sticks are shadows, liners and even work as a highlighter in a pinch. Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 That has put Southwest in a pinch, Owens said, as all air carriers fight to increase market share. Dallas Morning News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 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 16 Apr. 2025.

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