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a pinch

[/ə pɪntʃ/]
nounpl: pinches
uma pitada
1. A small amount of something, typically a powder or granular substance, that can be held between the thumb and forefinger
Add a pinch of salt to the soup.
Adicione uma pitada de sal à sopa.
2. A situation of hardship or difficulty; a tight spot or emergency
In a pinch, we can use this old equipment.
Em apuros, podemos usar este equipamento antigo.
3. The act of squeezing something between the thumb and forefinger
She gave his cheek a playful pinch.
Ela deu um beliscão brincalhão na bochecha dele.
Synonyms
bitdashsmidgensqueezetight spot
Antonyms
abundanceplentylarge amount

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
uma pitada
most common usage
Rio de Janeiro
uma beliscada
when referring to the physical action of pinching
São Paulo
uma pitada
standard usage
Portugal
uma pitada
common usage, also 'uma beliscada' for physical action

Related Idioms & Phrases

in a pinch - em apuros, em caso de necessidade
feel the pinch - sentir a pressão, sofrer dificuldades financeiras
take with a pinch of salt - tomar com ressalvas, não acreditar completamente
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