at a pinch
English edit
Etymology edit
at + a + pinch (“tight squeeze”)
Pronunciation edit
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˌæ.təˈpɪnʃ/
Audio (AU) (file) Audio (AUS) (file)
Prepositional phrase edit
- (Australia, New Zealand, British, informal, idiomatic) by a small margin or amount
- Synonyms: by the skin of one's teeth, only just
- (idiomatic) In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.