Phrase guide

at a pinch

prep_phrase · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Received-Pronunciation: /ˌæ.təˈpɪnʃ/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

by a small margin or amount

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australia, New-Zealand, UK, idiomatic, informal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: by the skin of one's teeth, only just

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

at + a + pinch (“tight squeeze”)