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pinch2 [countable]
1 a small amount of salt, pepper etc that you can hold between your finger and thumb : 
Add a pinch of salt to taste.
pinch of salt/pepper etc
Add a pinch of salt to taste.2 when you press someone's skin between your finger and thumb : She gave him a playful pinch.
She gave him a playful pinch.3 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.
at a pinch
British English in a pinch American EnglishThere'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.4 used to say that you should not always completely believe what a particular person says : You have to take what he says with a pinch of salt.
take something with a pinch of salt
You have to take what he says with a pinch of salt.5 to have financial difficulties, especially because you are not making as much money as you used to make : Local stores and businesses are beginning to feel the pinch.
feel the pinch
Local stores and businesses are beginning to feel the pinch.