in a pinch

• Audio (General Australian):

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in a pinch

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

   It's not a great fashion statement, but in a pinch a large trash bag will keep you dry.

• (in a difficult situation): when push comes to shove, when the chips are down, when the gloves come off
• at a pinch

• Japanese: ピンチ (pinchi)