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 hardside suitcase is fitted with four smooth 360-degree rolling wheels and a TSA-friendly lock to keep your belongings safely stored inside, and it’s built with an expandable design to offer more packing space in a pinch.
—
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2025
The lefty also started two games for the Cardinals this season, and if the Red Sox find themselves in a pinch, could throw him out to buy their rotation an extra day of rest.
—Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
In fact, for parents who are in a pinch, Zold recommends pairing snacks together for nutritious combos that kids will enjoy.
—Celeste Little, Parents, 29 July 2025
He was known for his ability to create gowns and costumes at tremendous speed; in a pinch, these could be sewn directly onto clients, with his last-minute adjustments.
—Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 25 July 2025
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Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 2025
The lefty also started two games for the Cardinals this season, and if the Red Sox find themselves in a pinch, could throw him out to buy their rotation an extra day of rest.
—Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
In fact, for parents who are in a pinch, Zold recommends pairing snacks together for nutritious combos that kids will enjoy.
—Celeste Little, Parents, 29 July 2025
He was known for his ability to create gowns and costumes at tremendous speed; in a pinch, these could be sewn directly onto clients, with his last-minute adjustments.
—Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 25 July 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 21 Aug. 2025.
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