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
Pan covers can include wax paper, cloth, and metal screens, poly-fil under the pan, or—in a pinch—even a big leaf.
—
Skye Goode, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Next time, don't fret too much—instead, use a paper towel as an emergency filter in a pinch.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025
Fresh fillets are preferred for this recipe, but frozen ones will do in a pinch.
—Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
Even still, Holmberg, who needs a new deal after this season (RFA), might be worth hanging onto as a depth forward who can play anywhere in a pinch (with real limitations offensively).
—Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
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Skye Goode, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025
Next time, don't fret too much—instead, use a paper towel as an emergency filter in a pinch.
—Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 23 Feb. 2025
Fresh fillets are preferred for this recipe, but frozen ones will do in a pinch.
—Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
Even still, Holmberg, who needs a new deal after this season (RFA), might be worth hanging onto as a depth forward who can play anywhere in a pinch (with real limitations offensively).
—Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 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 13 Mar. 2025.
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