“Pinch” usually means to press something tightly between your fingers or between two hard surfaces. It can also mean a small amount of something, like “a pinch of salt.”
In everyday English, people use “pinch” in a few common ways. They may say they pinched their skin by accident, or ask for “a pinch” of spice while cooking. It can also be used informally to mean borrowing something for a short time or taking something small.
Meaning & Usage
The most common meaning is to squeeze or press something firmly. For example, you can pinch a piece of paper, pinch your nose, or pinch dough while cooking. As a noun, it often means a very small amount.
Examples
“Add a pinch of salt.”
“He pinched his finger in the door.”
“Can I pinch your pen for a minute?”
What does “a pinch of” mean?
It means a very small amount of something, usually taken between your thumb and finger.
Can “pinch” mean steal?
In some informal British English, “pinch” can mean to steal something, but this is less common in everyday speech.
Is “pinch” used in cooking?
Yes. In cooking, “a pinch” is a small amount of an ingredient, often salt or spice.
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