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
One easy-access zippered pocket on the front will hold a portable charger or your passport in a pinch, and it’s sustainably made from recycled polyester fabric.
—
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Flatbike Pop-Off Pedals come off the bike in a pinch to save space, but stay on through rough riding because of redundant latching.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Relying on himself in a pinch informs everything Nick does, from acting to woodworking.
—Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2025
Nils Åman Åman is viewed internally as a steady defence-only option, capable of filling in at fourth-line centre in a pinch.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Flatbike Pop-Off Pedals come off the bike in a pinch to save space, but stay on through rough riding because of redundant latching.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
Relying on himself in a pinch informs everything Nick does, from acting to woodworking.
—Outside Online, 8 Oct. 2025
Nils Åman Åman is viewed internally as a steady defence-only option, capable of filling in at fourth-line centre in a pinch.
—Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 Oct. 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 24 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share