Feel the pinch

Meaning

The idiom "feel the pinch" means to experience a shortage of something or to be affected by an economic downturn. It can also refer to feeling stressed, anxious, or uncomfortable. The figurative meaning is that someone is experiencing a difficult time and may be struggling financially, emotionally, or physically.

Usage

• "Due to the pandemic, many businesses are feeling the pinch and are forced to lay off employees."
• "After months of trying to save money, she finally felt the pinch when her car broke down and required expensive repairs."
• "The company's profits have been declining for years, and now they're really feeling the pinch with the new pandemic restrictions."
• "She was feeling the pinch after a long day at work and decided to take a break and go for a walk."
• "The economic downturn has caused many people to feel the pinch and struggle to make ends meet."

Roots and History

The idiom "feel the pinch" dates back to the 16th century, where it was used to describe a feeling of discomfort or pain in the body. Over time, the meaning has shifted to refer to economic hardship and stress. The phrase became popular during the Great Depression in the 1930s when people were struggling financially and many businesses went bankrupt.

Synonyms in English

• Struggle financially
• Face financial difficulties
• Experience hardship
• Go through a tough time
• Live paycheck to paycheck

Synonyms in other languages

• Français: éprouver des difficultés financières
• Español: sufrir dificultades económicas
• Deutsch: eine wirtschaftliche Krise erleben
• Italiano: passare attraverso una crisi economica
• Japanese: 困難を感じる (kōnkyaku o kaitsuu ru)

Similar Idioms

• come to a head

• far cry from

• time puts everything in its place