Pinch

To squeeze (someone's skin, flesh, or a part of the body) tightly between the fingers or other objects, often causing pain. To take or steal something; to act in a way that saves money or resources. To be in a situation where there is a lack or shortage, typically of money or resources. Also can refer to a small amount of a substance, typically of a spice or powder. Finally, it can also refer to a crisis or difficult situation. It is a versatile word describing diverse actions and conditions.

Pinch meaning with examples

• The toddler, fascinated by his grandma's cheeks, gave her a playful pinch, resulting in a squeal of laughter. He felt terrible after accidentally pinching his finger in the car door. The chef added a pinch of salt to the stew. After a string of bad luck and financial challenges, the family was really in a pinch to make ends meet. During the emergency evacuation the firemen tried to pinch the victims away from the danger.
• The mischievous child, saw a chance to cause a pinch by stealing a cookie from the jar while her mother wasn't looking. The farmer, during a particularly dry spell, was facing a crop pinch as his irrigation system failed. She added a pinch of paprika to her deviled eggs, enhancing their flavor. When I was in college I was always in a financial pinch needing to get a loan. The thief was in a pinch and pinched the purse from the old lady to make a run for it.
• The cruel boy found joy in pinching his younger brother. Facing eviction, the family was in a serious pinch, desperately seeking assistance. The recipe called for just a pinch of cayenne pepper, which added a subtle warmth to the dish. During the game, the team had a strategy and pinched the ball away from their opponent. The detective would pinch the criminals and hand them over to the police.
• The bully's favorite torment was to sneak up and pinch his victims' arms. With both parents being out of work the family was in a terrible pinch. A pinch of garlic brought the sauce alive with flavor. The artist used a technique and pinched and shaped the clay into beautiful sculptures. The construction company was able to pinch a few things from the factory to sell.
• The doctor had to give the patient a pinch to check their reflexes. The family was in a pinch as their car broke down, making it difficult to get to work and school. The baker added a pinch of cinnamon to the pie dough. The thief pinched the money from the cash register and ran out of the door. Faced with rising costs, the company had to pinch pennies to stay afloat.