feel pinched

feel pinched

To be or feel constrained by recent financial hardship. We've been feeling pinched since my wife's restaurant closed down. I've had to take on a second job just to make ends meet. Many families are going to feel pinched if this new tax is passed.
See also: feel, pinch
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

feel pinched

 and feel the pinch
Fig. experiencing hardship because of having too little money. The Smiths used to go abroad every year, but now that he's retired, they're really feeling pinched. You're bound to feel the pinch a little when you're a student.
See also: feel, pinch
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • feel the pinch
  • fall on hard times
  • pinched
  • go on the rocks
  • up against the wall
  • life isn't all beer and skittles
  • welfare
  • be on welfare
  • be on relief
  • be on the dole
References in periodicals archive
Compared to neighboring libraries, our tax base is small, with little room for growth, and residents feel pinched by property taxes.
Grayslake library board candidates express their views Election: Library hopefuls discuss issues facing district
While consumers may be feeling good in a strong economy and willing to pay for your goods and services, they eventually may feel pinched by rising rates and pull back on spending.
How small businesses can navigate rising interest rates and remain profitable
But in Wales there is a very clear reason why so many people feel pinched with good reason - pay levels are atrocious.
time to think about wales and its future
"For example, despite some signs of an economic recovery, many shoppers continue to feel pinched, and they are taking steps to stretch each paycheck."
Markwins International
If anything, I feel pinched - and not just because the pet lobster is on the loose.
IS THE ONLY WAY UP? The boldest signs yet of an economic recovery were reported last week but will an uptick in GDP leave us feeling better off and will it be enough to save the coalition's skin? Political editor David Williamson takes a look under the bonnet of the economy
Asia may start to feel pinched, however, from the already deep cuts in the Iranian imports as the supply outlook for some of the alternative grades worsens.
ASIA'S IRAN OIL IMPORTS DROP SLIGHTLY IN JULY
''I would think we will feel pinched right after the construction finishes.''
FOCUS: Shutdown of Hamaoka atomic plant leaves host town in limbo
Despite the growth in orders, these export-oriented machine-tool firms are beginning to feel pinched by the continually rising local currency against the greenback.
Taiwan's leading machinery-tool firms double sales in first 3 qtrs
They are the natural place to go when people feel pinched, all of those years of "low prices, always" mantras paying off.
Twas the season
"The effects of Hurricane Katrina have caused consumers to feel pinched by rising gas prices that stand at nearly three dollars per gallon throughout the state," said Quinn.
IL Lieutenant Governor Promotes Car Sharing Programs
With stock trading also seen certain to be undertaken increasingly off the exchange as a result of rising computerized trading, the TSE will likely feel pinched financially, industry sources said.
TSE sees bond trade plunge after rule change