Feel the pinch

phrase

To have less money than before, and just enough to live on.

Since her father lost his job, she's been feeling the pinch and started to work part-time.
Visual representation of "feel the pinch" - To have less money than before, and just enough to live on.

Often appears as...

  • start to feel the pinch
  • really feel the pinch

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

phrase

To experience difficulties, usually because of a lack of money.

With the economy going down, even big corporations are starting to feel the pinch.
Visual representation of "feel the pinch" - To experience difficulties, usually because of a lack of money.

Often appears as...

  • start to feel the pinch
  • really feel the pinch

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

To have less money than before, and just enough to live on.

Since her father lost his job, she's been feeling the pinch and started to work part-time.
Visual representation of "feel the pinch" - To have less money than before, and just enough to live on.

Often appears as...

  • start to feel the pinch
  • really feel the pinch

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

phrase

To experience difficulties, usually because of a lack of money.

With the economy going down, even big corporations are starting to feel the pinch.
Visual representation of "feel the pinch" - To experience difficulties, usually because of a lack of money.

Often appears as...

  • start to feel the pinch
  • really feel the pinch

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "feel the pinch"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Economic Strain

Used when someone's financial situation becomes difficult, often due to external economic factors.

Illustration for Economic Strain
After the tax increase, many shoppers began to feel the pinch.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Budget Limitations

Refers to the need to cut back expenses or adjust one's budget to make ends meet.

Illustration for Budget Limitations
I've had to cancel my gym membership to feel less of the pinch.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sudden Changes

It often implies a recent or sudden change that leads to financial challenge.

Illustration for Sudden Changes
After the flood, many farmers are really feeling the pinch.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Economic Strain

Used when someone's financial situation becomes difficult, often due to external economic factors.

Illustration for Economic Strain
After the tax increase, many shoppers began to feel the pinch.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Budget Limitations

Refers to the need to cut back expenses or adjust one's budget to make ends meet.

Illustration for Budget Limitations
I've had to cancel my gym membership to feel less of the pinch.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sudden Changes

It often implies a recent or sudden change that leads to financial challenge.

Illustration for Sudden Changes
After the flood, many farmers are really feeling the pinch.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Economic Strain

Used when someone's financial situation becomes difficult, often due to external economic factors.

Illustration for Economic Strain
After the tax increase, many shoppers began to feel the pinch.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Budget Limitations

Refers to the need to cut back expenses or adjust one's budget to make ends meet.

Illustration for Budget Limitations
I've had to cancel my gym membership to feel less of the pinch.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sudden Changes

It often implies a recent or sudden change that leads to financial challenge.

Illustration for Sudden Changes
After the flood, many farmers are really feeling the pinch.
Visual representation of the word "Feel the pinch"

Never forget "Feel the pinch"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top