in a pinch

(idiom) only if absolutely necessary

Example Sentences:

A: Is it true that you can stop someone from bleeding by squeezing them?
B: Yes, that will work in a pinch, but it’s better to take them to a hospital.

In a pinch, you can use ketchup, but it’s better to use fresh tomatoes.

Similar idioms:

1. fresh as a daisy
2. fresh start
3. fresh off the boat
4. fresh out