in a pinch
phrase
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
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In his fourth season at the major-league level, Schmitt has recast himself as a super-utility player who can play any infield position or even pop out to the outfield in a pinch.
—
Christian Babcock,
Mercury News,
28 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
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Christian Babcock,
Mercury News,
28 June 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 5 Jul. 2026.
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