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
Formulated with enzymes and surfactants, laundry detergent is a versatile cleaning agent handy for other chores in a pinch, including doing the dishes and dissolving clogs.
—
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025
Equally delicious, sub in prawns in a pinch for shrimp.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
External charger for charging electronics in a pinch.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 21 Dec. 2025
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
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Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Dec. 2025
Equally delicious, sub in prawns in a pinch for shrimp.
—Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025
External charger for charging electronics in a pinch.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 21 Dec. 2025
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
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 29 Dec. 2025.
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