pinch
pinch
pɪnʧ
pinch
British pronunciation
/pˈɪnt‍ʃ/

Definition & Meaning of "pinch"in English

to pinch
01

to tightly grip and squeeze something, particularly someone's flesh, between one's fingers

Transitive: to pinch sb/sth
to pinch definition and meaning
example
Examples
He had to pinch the bridge of his nose to alleviate the growing headache.
The chef instructed the students to pinch the edges of the pastry to create a decorative pattern.
02

to compress or press one's lips together, typically as a reaction to stress, tension, or discomfort

Transitive: to pinch one's lips
example
Examples
He pinched his lips as he listened to the bad news.
The child pinched her lips, feeling nervous before the performance.
03

to cause discomfort or distress

Transitive: to pinch one's body or mind
example
Examples
The tight shoes were pinching her toes, causing discomfort throughout the day.
The biting cold wind pinched their cheeks as they walked through the winter storm.
04

to remove the growing tip or end portion of a plant to encourage branching or bushier growth

Transitive: to pinch the tips of a plant
example
Examples
To encourage a more compact shape, she regularly pinches the tips of her potted geraniums.
The florist pinched the ends of the rose stems to encourage lateral growth and more blooms.
05

to take something in a somewhat sneaky manner

Transitive: to pinch sth
example
Examples
I realized that someone had pinched my pen from my desk.
She pinched a few candies from the jar without her mother noticing.
06

to take someone into custody

Dialectbritish flagBritish
Transitive: to pinch sb
InformalInformal
example
Examples
The police pinched him for shoplifting at the supermarket.
They pinched the suspect after he tried to flee the scene of the crime.
Pinch
01

the act of grasping or squeezing something firmly between the thumb and fingers

pinch definition and meaning
example
Examples
The doctor performed a skin elasticity test by giving the patient 's forearm a gentle pinch.
He used a pinch to pick up the tiny thread from the floor.
02

a slight amount of something one can hold between the index finger and thumb

pinch definition and meaning
example
Examples
Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the dish.
He sprinkled a pinch of cinnamon on top of his coffee.
03

an act of taking someone into custody

example
Examples
The detective called headquarters to report the pinch and request transport.
After the pinch, the suspect was read his rights and placed in a holding cell.
04

a quick, sharp bite or snip, often resulting in a sudden, brief sensation of pain or discomfort

example
Examples
The crab gave a quick pinch with its claws when she tried to pick it up.
He felt a sharp pinch as he accidentally caught his finger in the door hinge.
05

a critical, urgent situation that demands quick response

example
Examples
We were in a real pinch when the lead actor missed the rehearsal and the show had to go on.
The ship 's captain handled the pinch admirably and kept everyone safe during the storm.
06

the painful result of getting a body part compressed or squeezed between two objects

example
Examples
The toddler cried when she experienced a pinch in her hand from the toy.
The pinch on her toe came from accidentally stepping on a small object.
07

a condition of hardship, scarcity, or tightness, often financial or material

example
Examples
During the recession many families felt the pinch and cut nonessential spending.
Rent increases put the small business in a pinch, forcing them to renegotiate lease terms.
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