in a pinch

phrase

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

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Super glue can be used for anything in a pinch from repairing a crack in a hard bait or fly line to closing a painful line cut on your finger. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026 Plus, the clip can hold a 4-mm bit and double as a screwdriver in a pinch. — New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026 Thai basil can stand in for Italian basil in a pinch, especially in savory meals where its stronger flavor complements the other ingredients. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 24 Sep. 2026 Better than the Mediterranean-Style Hummus, though that will do in a pinch. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in a pinch

Rhymes for in a pinch

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Browse Nearby Words

in a pig's eye
in a pinch
in a position of authority
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Cite this Entry

“In a pinch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20a%20pinch. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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