English idiom

feel the pinch

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

experience financial pressure because money has become scarce

Word picture

Financial pressure is pictured as a tightening squeeze that can be felt physically against the body.

Example

“Families are feeling the pinch as food and energy bills continue to rise.”

Dictionary details

Component words

pinch

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

at a pinch

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

in a tight spot

in a difficult or dangerous situation

down and out

in severe hardship, especially without money, resources, or prospects

keep the wolf from the door

to earn or manage just enough to avoid poverty, hunger, or serious hardship

a rip-off

Something that is far too expensive for what it is.

ballpark figure

a rough estimate, not an exact number

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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