in a pinch

idiom

: 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

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Wright, a veteran who has played on 10 teams, including six playoff contenders, over his nine-year career, should be a player Thibodeau can use if needed in a pinch. —

Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2025 Simply track it on the app and play a sound to locate it in a pinch. —

Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 5 Feb. 2025 Thuney he was moved to left tackle late in the year and playoffs when the Chiefs found themselves in a pinch. —

Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 31 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for in a pinch