PINCH Meaning and
Definition
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Pinch can be defined as a verb and a noun with several related meanings. As a verb, pinch refers to the action of squeezing or compressing something between two surfaces or points, typically with the thumb and fingers. It implies a firmer grip that can sometimes cause discomfort or pain. For example, one might pinch a person's arm to get their attention.
Pinch can also be used to describe the action of taking a small amount or portion of something using a squeezing motion. This could involve taking a pinch of salt to add to a recipe or pinching off a piece of dough for baking.
Furthermore, pinch can refer to a difficult or problematic situation, often involving a shortage or lack of something. For instance, a financial pinch may mean experiencing a temporary shortage of money or facing financial difficulties. Additionally, pinch can describe a feeling of emotional or mental distress.
As a noun, pinch typically refers to the act or instance of pinching. It can also denote the amount of something that can be held between two surfaces with a pinching action. Moreover, pinch can refer to a small or narrow space between two objects or parts.
In summary, pinch can be described as squeezing or compressing, taking a small amount of something, difficult situations, emotional distress, or a small or narrow space.
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• A sharp and painful gripe by the ends of the fingers or by pincers, &c.; the mark or pain occasioned by it; the small quantity that can be held between the thumb and forefinger; pressure; oppression; distress through want.
• To gripe or squeeze between the thumb and a finger; to squeeze or press between any two sharp edges or points so as to pain; to distress; to press hard or bear hard upon, as want; to act with a force to be felt; to spare; to be frugal.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PINCH *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PINCH
Etymology of PINCH
The word "pinch" can be traced back to the Old English word "pyncan", which had the same meaning. This Old English term is believed to have originated from the West Germanic word "punkan" and ultimately from the Proto-Germanic word "punkenan". The Proto-Germanic word had the sense of "to prick" or "to puncture", which aligns with the idea of a sharp pain caused by pinching. Additionally, the Proto-Germanic word might have been influenced by the Latin term "punctor", meaning "puncture" or "sting". Over time, the word "pinch" also developed figurative meanings related to pressure or to take something small forcefully.
Idioms with the word PINCH
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feel the pinch
The idiom "feel the pinch" is often used to describe experiencing financial difficulty or hardship. It indicates a situation where someone is feeling the impact of reduced income, increased expenses, or financial constraints. It can also imply a sense of discomfort or tightness due to limited resources or financial stress.
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in a pinch, at at a pinch
The idiom "in a pinch, at a pinch" means that in a difficult or challenging situation, when time is limited or resources are scarce, someone is willing to do something that they would not normally do. It refers to the ability to cope with a problem by making do with what is available, even if it is not ideal or convenient. In such situations, the person is willing to make compromises or find alternative solutions to overcome the difficulty.
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take something with a pinch of salt
The idiom "take something with a pinch of salt" means to not completely believe or trust what is being said, to approach it with skepticism or caution. It implies that the information or statement being given may not be entirely accurate or reliable.
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pinch pennies
The idiom "pinch pennies" means to be frugal or thrifty in one's spending habits, often to save money or manage finances carefully.
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take something with a pinch (or grain) of salt
The idiom "take something with a pinch (or grain) of salt" means to view or accept something with skepticism, doubt, or caution, as it may not be entirely accurate or reliable. It suggests not fully believing or trusting something, usually due to its questionable source or lack of evidence.
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at a pinch
The idiom "at a pinch" means that something is feasible or possible as a last resort or under difficult circumstances, even though it may not be the ideal or preferred option. It suggests that one is willing to make do or adapt to a less than ideal situation when necessary.
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pinch hitter
The idiom "pinch hitter" refers to a person who substitutes or takes over the role or responsibility of another in a time of need or when they are unable to perform their duty. It originated in baseball, where a pinch hitter is a player who substitutes for another player to bat in a critical moment of the game. The term has now expanded beyond sports and is used to describe someone who steps in or replaces another person in various situations outside of sports.
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pinch sth off (of) sth
The idiom "pinch something off (of) something" has a literal meaning and a figurative meaning:
Literal meaning: To remove a small piece or portion of something by pinching it with one's fingers.
Example: She pinched off a small piece of dough and rolled it into a ball.
Figurative meaning: To take or appropriate something without permission, usually in a secretive or sly manner.
Example: The employee was caught pinching office supplies off the company's storage room.
In both cases, the phrase "pinch off (of) something" implies the act of taking or removing something, either physically or metaphorically.
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pinch sth back
The idiom "pinch sth back" typically refers to the act of pruning or cutting off a portion of a plant (such as a leaf, shoot, or branch) in order to promote its growth or to control its shape and size. It is commonly used in gardening or horticulture contexts.
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take sth with a grain of salt, at take sth with a pinch of salt
The idiom "take something with a grain of salt" means to accept or believe something with a certain degree of skepticism or doubt. It implies not completely trusting or relying on the information or statement provided. When someone tells you something and you are unsure about its accuracy or truthfulness, it is recommended to take it "with a grain of salt" or "with a pinch of salt."
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pinch sth from sm or sth
The idiom "pinch something from someone or something" means to steal or take something without permission or unlawfully from someone or something.
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pinch sm for sth
The idiom "pinch someone for something" is an informal expression meaning to steal, take, or appropriate something from someone in a sneaky or surreptitious manner. It implies the act of secretly acquiring or obtaining something without the person's knowledge or consent.
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take sth with a pinch of salt
The idiom "take something with a pinch of salt" means to not completely believe or trust something, to be skeptical or doubtful about the accuracy, truthfulness, or importance of something. It suggests that the information or statement should be approached with caution and a degree of skepticism.
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pinch and scrape, at pinch pennies
The idiom "pinch and scrape" or "pinch pennies" refers to a frugal or thrifty behavior, where someone carefully saves and avoids unnecessary expenses in order to cope with a financial constraint or to accumulate wealth over time. It suggests making small, restrictive choices to save money and make ends meet or reach financial goals.
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in a pinch
The idiom "in a pinch" means in a difficult or challenging situation where there is a need for a quick solution or assistance, typically due to unexpected circumstances or limited resources. It refers to being able to handle or manage something adequately despite the constraints or adversity involved.
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pinch back
The idiom "pinch back" typically refers to the act of quickly and skillfully pulling or squeezing something back or away from a difficult or dangerous situation. It can also imply the ability to make a quick, strategic retreat or to avoid getting caught or involved in a troublesome circumstance.
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pinch-hit for
To take the place of someone in a difficult or challenging situation; to substitute for someone else.
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at a pinch/push
The idiom "at a pinch/push" means that something is possible or manageable, but only with difficulty, effort, or as a last resort.
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pinch-hit
To pinch-hit means to substitute for another person in a particular situation or task, especially at short notice or in an emergency. In baseball, it refers to a substitute batter who comes in to bat for another player.
Similar spelling words for PINCH
Conjugate verb Pinch
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have pinched
you
would have pinched
he/she/it
would have pinched
we
would have pinched
they
would have pinched
I
would have pinch
you
would have pinch
he/she/it
would have pinch
we
would have pinch
they
would have pinch
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been pinching
you
would have been pinching
he/she/it
would have been pinching
we
would have been pinching
they
would have been pinching
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would pinch
you
would pinch
he/she/it
would pinch
we
would pinch
they
would pinch
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be pinching
you
would be pinching
he/she/it
would be pinching
we
would be pinching
they
would be pinching
FUTURE
I
will pinch
you
will pinch
he/she/it
will pinch
we
will pinch
they
will pinch
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be pinching
you
will be pinching
he/she/it
will be pinching
we
will be pinching
they
will be pinching
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have pinched
you
will have pinched
he/she/it
will have pinched
we
will have pinched
they
will have pinched
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been pinching
you
will have been pinching
he/she/it
will have been pinching
we
will have been pinching
they
will have been pinching
IMPERATIVE
you
pinch
we
let´s pinch
to pinch
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was pinching
you
were pinching
he/she/it
was pinching
we
were pinching
they
were pinching
PAST PARTICIPLE
pinched
PAST PERFECT
I
had pinched
you
had pinched
he/she/it
had pinched
we
had pinched
they
had pinched
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been pinching
you
had been pinching
he/she/it
had been pinching
we
had been pinching
they
had been pinching
PRESENT
I
pinch
you
pinch
he/she/it
pinches
we
pinch
they
pinch
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am pinching
you
are pinching
he/she/it
is pinching
we
are pinching
they
are pinching
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
pinching
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have pinched
you
have pinched
he/she/it
has pinched
we
have pinched
they
have pinched
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been pinching
you
have been pinching
he/she/it
has been pinching
we
have been pinching
they
have been pinching
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
pinch
SIMPLE PAST
I
pinched
you
pinched
he/she/it
pinched
we
pinched
they
pinched
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