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 21-year-old didn't opt for Paltrow's vampy '90s glam, however, instead going nearly bare-faced in a pinch of blush and a coral-nude lip.
—
Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
The waistband of the wide-leg trousers is fitted with elastic for a stretchy, forgiving fit, and they’re even designed with two deep side pockets that’ll hold your phone in a pinch.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
Pet Food The internet at large may suggest using cat or dog food to feed birds in a pinch.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
These cookies are crowdpleasers and a cinch to make in a pinch.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
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Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Jan. 2026
The waistband of the wide-leg trousers is fitted with elastic for a stretchy, forgiving fit, and they’re even designed with two deep side pockets that’ll hold your phone in a pinch.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
Pet Food The internet at large may suggest using cat or dog food to feed birds in a pinch.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
These cookies are crowdpleasers and a cinch to make in a pinch.
—Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 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 13 Jan. 2026.
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