On a pinch

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Pinch \Pinch\, n.
   1. A close compression, as with the ends of the fingers, or
      with an instrument; a nip.
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   2. As much as may be taken between the finger and thumb; any
      very small quantity; as, a pinch of snuff.
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   3. Pian; pang. "Necessary's sharp pinch." --Shak.
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   4. A lever having a projection at one end, acting as a
      fulcrum, -- used chiefly to roll heavy wheels, etc. Called
      also {pinch bar}.
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   {At a pinch}, {On a pinch}, in an emergency; as, he could on
      a pinch read a little Latin.
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