pinch
Squeeze between fingers
The verb pinch is for the action of squeezing something, especially between two fingers, and a pinch is an instance of doing this, or a small amount of something (pinch of oregano).
Noun uses of pinch mostly carry over the idea of being squeezed or compressed, often uncomfortably.
If you’re in a pinch or you feel the pinch, you’re in a stressful situation.
If a nerve is pinched, it is compressed and causing pain.
Firm bilateral compression
- gripSecure manual hold
- claspSecuring device that clicks
- compressReduce volume by force
- nipQuick, sharp pinch
press · clamp · tweak · crush · constrict · tighten · clench · vise
Quick burst or pinch
- sprinkleLight scattering of particles
- smidgenVery small quantity
- tasteFlavor perception ability
- seasoningSubstance improving food taste
salt · pepper · spices · herbs · paprika · cumin · oregano · nutmeg
Bodily or emotional distress
- smartMentally quick, or fashionable
- prickleTiny sharp point
- bitePierce with teeth
- tingleSlight stinging sensation
itch · sharp · discomfort · irritation · soreness · nip · twinge · pang
Sneak off with trifles
- shopliftSteal retail merchandise
- swipeQuick sliding motion
- nickShallow surface cut
- snatchRapid forceful taking
filch · purloin · pickpocket · thief · theft · larceny · nab · lift
Firmly stretched or fitting
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- austerityEnforced economic stringency
- belt-tighteningReducing expenditures deliberately
- frugalityEconomical resource management
cutbacks · budget · scarcity · shortage · thrift · economize · scrimp · scrape
squeeze
Firm bilateral compression
nip · press · clamp · tweak · crush · constrict · tighten · clench · vise · fingers
dash
Quick burst or pinch
seasoning · salt · pepper · spices · herbs · paprika · cumin · oregano · nutmeg · saffron
pain
Bodily or emotional distress
tingle · itch · sharp · discomfort · irritation · soreness · nip · twinge · pang · burn
pilfer
Sneak off with trifles
snatch · filch · purloin · pickpocket · thief · theft · larceny · nab · lift · pocket
tight
Firmly stretched or fitting
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
- austerityEnforced economic stringency
- belt-tighteningReducing expenditures deliberately
frugality · cutbacks · budget · scarcity · shortage · thrift · economize · scrimp · scrape · stretch
nab
Seize or apprehend
catch · cop · detain · custody · grab · seized · nabbed · busted · caught · raid
bit
Small amount or portion
speck · dab · tad · drop · iota · modicum · soupçon · whisper · grain · particle
- in a pinchWhen circumstances force compromise
- pinch of saltMinimal amount of seasoning
- penny pincherExcessively frugal person
- pinch penniesSpend as little as possible
- feeling the pinchExperiencing financial strain
- pinching penniesObsessive spending restraint
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