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 The 800-volt electric architecture utilized by the vehicles will also allow for bi-directional charging, something that could come in handy in a pinch. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024 Zip ties will protect kids from getting into cabinets in a pinch. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024 Alternatively, the versatile salve works on wet or dry hair to tamp down flyaways in a pinch. Jenny Berg, Allure, 23 Oct. 2024 Weighing in at under two pounds, the vacuum is super easy to grab in a pinch or take on the go. Clara McMahon, People.com, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for in a pinch 

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 31 Oct. 2024.

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