English idiom

at a pinch

Register · Neutral CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

if it becomes absolutely necessary, though the option is barely adequate

Word picture

Fingers pinched close together picture a narrow margin with almost no room to spare.

Example

“The sofa can sleep two people at a pinch, but it will not be comfortable.”

Dictionary details

Component words

pinch

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

feel the pinch

experience financial pressure because money has become scarce

bite the bullet

To force yourself to do something unpleasant or difficult that you have been avoiding.

when push comes to shove

when mounting pressure makes decisive action unavoidable

when the chips are down

at a moment of crisis when pressure forces an important choice

easier said than done

Something that sounds simple to do but is actually hard.

hang in there

to persevere and not give up despite difficulty

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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