at a pinch
if it's absolutely necessary
TRANSLATION
at a pinch = zur Not, notfalls --- GOOGLE INDEX at a pinch: approximately 9,000,000 Google hits
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
We now have in our pockets – in the shape of mobile phones – stuff that is capable of producing quality radio and, AT A PINCH, television.
(The Guardian)
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AT A PINCH, King could even play in the London derby with Fulham on November 6, and the news came as a huge relief to manager Redknapp, who is down to his last two fit centre-backs.
(The Mirror)
(The Guardian)
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AT A PINCH, King could even play in the London derby with Fulham on November 6, and the news came as a huge relief to manager Redknapp, who is down to his last two fit centre-backs.
(The Mirror)
Did you
know?
at a pinch (US English, in a pinch)
idiom
- if absolutely necessary
(Oxford Dictionary)
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To understand the expression "at a pinch" and its American cousin "in a pinch," we have to take a look at the verb "pinch," which stems from the Old French "pincier."
The literal sense of pinch is "to squeeze, especially with the fingers in a way that causes pain or discomfort." Since it first appeared in English in the 14th century, both the verb and noun forms of "pinch" have taken on various figurative meanings.
Among other things the verb has referred to afflicting/harassing, stealing (He pinched my favourite tea cup!) and being tight with one's money (He's such a penny pincher). As a noun, pinch has been used as a metaphor for any type of pressure, difficulty or hardship that "pinches" a person. Thus at a pinch/in a pinch implies doing something although it might not be an ideal situation.
There is no logical reason for why we use the "at" preposition while the Americans utilize "in." Likewise there is no explanation for why the British "go to hospital" while the Americans add the article and instead say "go to the hospital". At a pinch, just use either phrase.
(source. The Word Detective)
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SYNONYMS
if need be, if necessary, in an emergency, if it has to be, if you insist
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SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation
"I can take the later flight to London at a pinch."
idiom
- if absolutely necessary
(Oxford Dictionary)
---
To understand the expression "at a pinch" and its American cousin "in a pinch," we have to take a look at the verb "pinch," which stems from the Old French "pincier."
The literal sense of pinch is "to squeeze, especially with the fingers in a way that causes pain or discomfort." Since it first appeared in English in the 14th century, both the verb and noun forms of "pinch" have taken on various figurative meanings.
Among other things the verb has referred to afflicting/harassing, stealing (He pinched my favourite tea cup!) and being tight with one's money (He's such a penny pincher). As a noun, pinch has been used as a metaphor for any type of pressure, difficulty or hardship that "pinches" a person. Thus at a pinch/in a pinch implies doing something although it might not be an ideal situation.
There is no logical reason for why we use the "at" preposition while the Americans utilize "in." Likewise there is no explanation for why the British "go to hospital" while the Americans add the article and instead say "go to the hospital". At a pinch, just use either phrase.
(source. The Word Detective)
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SYNONYMS
if need be, if necessary, in an emergency, if it has to be, if you insist
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SMUGGLE OWAD into today's conversation
"I can take the later flight to London at a pinch."
