ピンチ

ぴんち
noun
pinch, crisis, tight spot
1. pinch, crisis, tight spot, predicament
A difficult or dangerous situation where things could go wrong. Often used in sports, games, and everyday life to describe being in trouble.
I got through the crisis.
チーム(おお)ピンチ(むか)えている
The team is facing a major crisis.
Turning a crisis into an opportunity is what makes a top-class player.

Usage

Very common in sports commentary, video games, and everyday conversation. Often contrasted with チャンス (chance, opportunity). The phrase ピンチチャンス (a crisis is an opportunity) is a well-known motivational saying.

Common collocations

Etymology

From English "pinch" (in the sense of a tight spot or difficult situation).