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
Toss in a clove during the drying process or mix in a pinch of garlic powder.
—
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
Also, laptops that support USB-C charging give you more options for keeping your device powered, including using portable chargers in a pinch.
—Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
If Doc wants a little energy or some veteran presence in a pinch, Harris is there.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
That’s not great oral hygiene, but in a pinch, rinsing with water has been shown to lessen morning breath.
—Betsy Andrews, Saveur, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
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Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2025
Also, laptops that support USB-C charging give you more options for keeping your device powered, including using portable chargers in a pinch.
—Ken Colburn, AZCentral.com, 21 July 2025
If Doc wants a little energy or some veteran presence in a pinch, Harris is there.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
That’s not great oral hygiene, but in a pinch, rinsing with water has been shown to lessen morning breath.
—Betsy Andrews, Saveur, 17 July 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 Jul. 2025.
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