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
Kamara fell back into this technique when a client of hers came to her in need of boho braids in a pinch.
—
Annie Blay, Allure, 16 Apr. 2024
According to the brand, the bench and seat cushions offer plenty of ergonomic comfort and also come with easy-to-wash covers that can be zipped on or off in a pinch.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
Of course, the iPhone has no face buttons, and virtual buttons, while okay in a pinch, are a poor substitute for anything that demands quick reflexes.
—Wes Davis, The Verge, 6 Apr. 2024
Though Wi-Fi 6 is the modern standard for wireless signal, Wi-Fi 5 is still effective in a pinch (Wi-Fi 6E is on the way).
—PCMAG, 1 Apr. 2024
Roughly a third of the country’s 123,000 public libraries offer mobile hotspot lending, allowing visitors to borrow palm-sized devices that pump out a cellular signal that can substitute for home internet service in a pinch, said Megan Janicki, a policy expert at the American Library Association.
—Brian Fung, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024
It can be worn out as a dressy dinner outfit, by the pool, or even as pajamas in a pinch.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024
While religious iconography abounds — and makes for some handy weapons, in a pinch — Cecilia’s crisis isn’t one of faith but of bodily autonomy, an indictment of self-righteous authority figures who use religion to gaslight and control female bodies.
—Jen Yamato, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024
Simple ways to start building an emergency fund While getting a low-cost loan to tide you over in a pinch may be a relief, not having to borrow at all is optimal.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024
Annie Blay, Allure, 16 Apr. 2024
According to the brand, the bench and seat cushions offer plenty of ergonomic comfort and also come with easy-to-wash covers that can be zipped on or off in a pinch.
—Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
Of course, the iPhone has no face buttons, and virtual buttons, while okay in a pinch, are a poor substitute for anything that demands quick reflexes.
—Wes Davis, The Verge, 6 Apr. 2024
Though Wi-Fi 6 is the modern standard for wireless signal, Wi-Fi 5 is still effective in a pinch (Wi-Fi 6E is on the way).
—PCMAG, 1 Apr. 2024
Roughly a third of the country’s 123,000 public libraries offer mobile hotspot lending, allowing visitors to borrow palm-sized devices that pump out a cellular signal that can substitute for home internet service in a pinch, said Megan Janicki, a policy expert at the American Library Association.
—Brian Fung, CNN, 23 Mar. 2024
It can be worn out as a dressy dinner outfit, by the pool, or even as pajamas in a pinch.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024
While religious iconography abounds — and makes for some handy weapons, in a pinch — Cecilia’s crisis isn’t one of faith but of bodily autonomy, an indictment of self-righteous authority figures who use religion to gaslight and control female bodies.
—Jen Yamato, Washington Post, 20 Mar. 2024
Simple ways to start building an emergency fund While getting a low-cost loan to tide you over in a pinch may be a relief, not having to borrow at all is optimal.
—Jeanne Sahadi, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'in a pinch.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near 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 27 Apr. 2024.
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