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
Crew members with the district said mobilizing in a pinch is nothing new to them, but this endeavor hit different given the personal effects many experienced from the blaze.
—
Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Nearly every Danish town has a supermarket, and in a pinch, a gas station convenience store has enough for a meal.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
Even one daring dangle through traffic can serve in a pinch.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Available in a variety of flavors—chicken, beef, vegetable, and more—bouillon cubes can replace expensive stock or broth in a pinch.
—Rai Mincey, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
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Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
Nearly every Danish town has a supermarket, and in a pinch, a gas station convenience store has enough for a meal.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
Even one daring dangle through traffic can serve in a pinch.
—Mark Lazerus, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
Available in a variety of flavors—chicken, beef, vegetable, and more—bouillon cubes can replace expensive stock or broth in a pinch.
—Rai Mincey, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
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 29 Jan. 2025.
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