(in) a pinch

Preview（腕試し） Please guess the best answer.

Kumi: Is it best to use fresh tomatoes when making spaghetti sauce?

Miki: Of course, but canned tomatoes will work in a pinch.

A. Miki prefers canned tomatoes to fresh tomatoes.

B. Miki uses canned tomatoes when she doesn't have fresh tomatoes.

C. Miki never uses canned tomatoes.

D. Miki likes to pinch fresh tomatoes.

　

Explanation（説明）

This idiom has several different--but closely related--meanings.

1. To be in trouble or in a difficult situation.

2. To be in a situation where you have few choices or resources. (In British English this is "at a pinch.")

Examples（例文）

1. Henry was in a real pinch. He lost his credit cards and passport while traveling in Russia.

2. To make this dish you need three fresh tomatoes, but canned tomatoes will do in a pinch.

Exercises （練習）

Choose the best answer.

1. When making dessert for her family, Tomomi doesn't worry when she doesn't have any real cream--she knows milk will ____________ in a pinch.

A. work

B. be

C. have

D. work hard

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2. I lost my money and credit cards while traveling in Korea. I ____________ in a pinch!

A. work

B. do

C. was

D. were