# at a pinch

> English word · Prep_phrase · IPA /ˌæ.təˈpɪnʃ/

## Definitions
1. by a small margin or amount
2. In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.

## Etymology
at + a + pinch (“tight squeeze”)

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/at-a-pinch