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
Under a Stairwell Another apartment building fixture that can provide shelter in a pinch is a stairwell.
—
Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2025
But, in a pinch, the plan member has the ability to do this with a supporting statement from the physician.
—Diane Omdahl, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Speaking of the Jump Kit, if the Fix Kit player is predisposed with enemies or another task, the impactor’s electric shock can also repair machines in a pinch.
—Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Here's what to know about trying to get one in a pinch.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
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Maddie Topliff, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 June 2025
But, in a pinch, the plan member has the ability to do this with a supporting statement from the physician.
—Diane Omdahl, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025
Speaking of the Jump Kit, if the Fix Kit player is predisposed with enemies or another task, the impactor’s electric shock can also repair machines in a pinch.
—Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 14 May 2025
Here's what to know about trying to get one in a pinch.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 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 10 Jun. 2025.
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