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
Both can save you money in a pinch, but where car insurance is often necessary, a car warranty is optional.
—
Alora Bopray, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
For tiny holes made by nails, for example, Irish Spring soap can come to the rescue in a pinch.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025
That said, in a pinch, the article added, human shampoo is unlikely to cause serious harm, especially since many of today's shampoos are made from gentle and natural ingredients that are less likely to damage canines' skin.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
Outside of snacking, Stasher bags also make a leakproof toiletry bag in a pinch and can even be used to safely store jewelry, medications, and other tiny travel essentials.
—Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
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Alora Bopray, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
For tiny holes made by nails, for example, Irish Spring soap can come to the rescue in a pinch.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025
That said, in a pinch, the article added, human shampoo is unlikely to cause serious harm, especially since many of today's shampoos are made from gentle and natural ingredients that are less likely to damage canines' skin.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
Outside of snacking, Stasher bags also make a leakproof toiletry bag in a pinch and can even be used to safely store jewelry, medications, and other tiny travel essentials.
—Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 1 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 18 Dec. 2025.
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