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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 2-pound cordless device is easy to grab in a pinch to clean small spills and fur balls off of furniture, and it can also be used to refresh car interiors. Clara McMahon, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024 If sports photography is your primary area of interest, zooms like the Tamron 50-400mm or the Tamron 150-500mm are better for bringing distant subjects into focus and softening backgrounds in the telephoto range, but the 28-300mm is useable in a pinch. PCMAG, 11 Dec. 2024 Outside of snacking, Stasher bags also make a leakproof toiletry bag in a pinch and can even be used to safely store jewelry, medications, and other tiny travel essentials. Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 2 Dec. 2024 Baker says that carrot greens are a great way to substitute herbs in a pinch, such as parsley. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 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 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!