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
Kimball said the idea was to create a nutritional alternative to the high-carb snacks, like crackers and pretzels, people typically reach for in a pinch.
—
Jenna Anderson, Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Pets are welcome, though they might be consumed in a pinch.
—Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
In guiding people who suffered losses from Hurricanes Helene or Milton, the American Institute of CPAs pointed to other ways to access money in a pinch.
—Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024
Each strip is formulated with enamel-safe hydrogen peroxide that powerfully whitens teeth in a pinch.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024
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Jenna Anderson, Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Pets are welcome, though they might be consumed in a pinch.
—Charles Bethea, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024
In guiding people who suffered losses from Hurricanes Helene or Milton, the American Institute of CPAs pointed to other ways to access money in a pinch.
—Russ Wiles, The Arizona Republic, 3 Nov. 2024
Each strip is formulated with enamel-safe hydrogen peroxide that powerfully whitens teeth in a pinch.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for in a pinch
Dictionary Entries Near 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 21 Nov. 2024.
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