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
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.
Rinsing your suit with clean water will do in a pinch. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 May 2025 The coordinating shorts have an adjustable drawstring and a comfortable high waist, along with two roomy side pockets to hold your travel essentials in a pinch. Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2025 Thermal brushes have been all the rage lately for delivering gorgeous volume in a pinch. Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 21 Apr. 2025 This cordless stick vacuum includes a removable handheld vacuum to tidy up small messes in a pinch. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 17 Apr. 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 May. 2025.

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