feel the pinch

phrase

: to experience the problems caused by not having enough money or by paying higher costs
We are starting to feel the pinch of high fuel costs.

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Cite this Entry

“Feel the pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feel%20the%20pinch. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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