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.
Usage
Very common in sports commentary, video games, and everyday conversation. Often contrasted with チャンス (chance, opportunity). The phrase ピンチはチャンス (a crisis is an opportunity) is a well-known motivational saying.
Common collocations
- ピンチを切り抜ける (get through a crisis)
- ピンチを迎える (face a crisis)
- ピンチに陥る (fall into a predicament)
- ピンチに強い (strong under pressure)
- 大ピンチ (major crisis)
- ピンチはチャンス (a crisis is an opportunity)
Etymology
From English "pinch" (in the sense of a tight spot or difficult situation).
Related Words
Antonym:
チャンス (chance, opportunity)
Compare:
窮地 (predicament)
Compare:
苦境 (difficult situation)