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
There's definitely no global chain drug store or big-box retailer to hit up in a pinch.
—
Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
But any skin-safe oil, even olive oil, can provide adequate hydration in a pinch, says Stern.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
Within the context of a healthy roster, Santos would have spot minutes either in a pinch or in garbage time.
—Jannelle Moore, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
While fireplace ashes can be used as a niche cleaning solution, especially in a pinch, Toner doesn't recommend using it as an everyday cleaner.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026
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.
Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2026
But any skin-safe oil, even olive oil, can provide adequate hydration in a pinch, says Stern.
—Andee Tagle, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
Within the context of a healthy roster, Santos would have spot minutes either in a pinch or in garbage time.
—Jannelle Moore, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
While fireplace ashes can be used as a niche cleaning solution, especially in a pinch, Toner doesn't recommend using it as an everyday cleaner.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026
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 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
