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
The 800-volt electric architecture utilized by the vehicles will also allow for bi-directional charging, something that could come in handy in a pinch.
—
Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024
Zip ties will protect kids from getting into cabinets in a pinch.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024
Alternatively, the versatile salve works on wet or dry hair to tamp down flyaways in a pinch.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 23 Oct. 2024
Weighing in at under two pounds, the vacuum is super easy to grab in a pinch or take on the go.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 20 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for in a pinch 
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Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024
Zip ties will protect kids from getting into cabinets in a pinch.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Oct. 2024
Alternatively, the versatile salve works on wet or dry hair to tamp down flyaways in a pinch.
—Jenny Berg, Allure, 23 Oct. 2024
Weighing in at under two pounds, the vacuum is super easy to grab in a pinch or take on the go.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 20 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 5 Nov. 2024.
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