From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishat a pinchat a pinchBritish English, in a pinch American EnglishNEED used to say that you could do something if necessary in a difficult or urgent situation There’s space for three people. Four at a pinch. If you’re in a pinch, I’m sure they’d look after Jenny for a while. → pinch
Examples from the Corpus
at a pinch• But this novel has not just one but two barmen who could also at a pinch be hailed as lords of language.• Her appointments for the following week could, at a pinch, be postponed.• You could, at a pinch, also serve either with the Pizzettas.• Interior is snug but seats four at a pinch.• Or at a pinch he might be able to squeeze himself into the desk drawer and hide.• There is a large bench seat in the rear which will accommodate two adults or three smaller people at a pinch.• Our flat was a little box that would have probably accommodated Michael's sports shoes at a pinch.• Ponyets could have handled them at a pinch. 