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
While fireplace ashes can be used as a niche cleaning solution, especially in a pinch, Toner doesn't recommend using it as an everyday cleaner.
—
Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026
Need an easy appetizer in a pinch?
—Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
In 2012, when the Tar Heels were in a pinch as a swath of its roster hobbled back from the U-20 and U-17 World Cups, former head coach Anson Dorrance deployed Dunn to the backline to soften the blow of his thin bench.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
These versatile salves might serve to treat a burn, as a facial cosmetic, or as a hair conditioner in a pinch.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in a pinch
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Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 7 Feb. 2026
Need an easy appetizer in a pinch?
—Jill Schildhouse, Southern Living, 5 Feb. 2026
In 2012, when the Tar Heels were in a pinch as a swath of its roster hobbled back from the U-20 and U-17 World Cups, former head coach Anson Dorrance deployed Dunn to the backline to soften the blow of his thin bench.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
These versatile salves might serve to treat a burn, as a facial cosmetic, or as a hair conditioner in a pinch.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for 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 16 Feb. 2026.
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