English Idiom: In a pinch
Most people cook, and most of us have tried to create something, but while cooking realized that we did not have all of the required ingredients. When this happens, we can use the idiom in a pinch.
One possible of this idiom is as a substitute. If you don’t have lime juice, in a pinch, you can probably use lemon juice because there is not going to be a big difference.
In a pinch has other meanings as well. It can also mean in an emergency or if necessary.
Sometimes when we are swamped with work, we do not have time to cook. At these times, even though we would prefer to eat healthily, we need to go for takeout food.
It’s not the best choice, and it’s not your first choice, but in a pinch, it’s better than nothing.
So there you have it, in a pinch can be used to mean as a substitute, in an emergency or if necessary.