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
Guard Grey Zabel, North Dakota State: A college left tackle, Zabel could play anywhere on the line at the next level in a pinch, but is best suited as a center or guard.
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Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The sticks are shadows, liners and even work as a highlighter in a pinch.
—Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
That has put Southwest in a pinch, Owens said, as all air carriers fight to increase market share.
—Dallas Morning News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
The young couple is in a pinch for childcare after their nanny situation fell through, and Sam can’t quite find a reason to say no to an easy gig that pays $300 a night.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
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Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
The sticks are shadows, liners and even work as a highlighter in a pinch.
—Amanda Lauren, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
That has put Southwest in a pinch, Owens said, as all air carriers fight to increase market share.
—Dallas Morning News, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
The young couple is in a pinch for childcare after their nanny situation fell through, and Sam can’t quite find a reason to say no to an easy gig that pays $300 a night.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 8 Mar. 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 1 Apr. 2025.
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