at a pinch

English

Etymology

at + a + pinch (“tight squeeze”)

Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˌæ.təˈpɪnʃ/

Prepositional phrase

at a pinch

1. (Australia, New Zealand, UK, informal, idiomatic) By the skin of one’s teeth; only just; Deo volente; perhaps; if you’re lucky.

Adverb

at a pinch

1. (idiomatic) In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.

Synonyms

• in a pinch

Anagrams

• aphantic