pinch-hit for (someone)

pinch-hit for (someone)

1. In baseball or softball, to bat in place of another player. Let Ben pinch-hit for Paul—Ben's the better hitter, and you really need to knock in some runs here. In a surprise move, the rookie is going to pinch-hit for the veteran batter.
2. By extension, to do something in place or on behalf of someone else. I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon, so I need you to pinch-hit for me on the conference call. I'm afraid I can't make it to the meeting, so my second in command will be there pinch-hitting for me.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

pinch-hit for someone

 
1. Fig. to bat for someone else in a baseball game. Wally Wilson will pinch-hit for Gary Franklin. Rodney Jones is pinch-hitting for Babe DiMaggio.
2. Fig. to substitute for someone in any situation. Bart will pinch-hit for Fred, who is at another meeting today. Who will pinch-hit for me while I am on vacation?
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • pinch-hit
  • pinch-hit for
  • power hitter
  • home run
  • pinch hitter
  • knock up
  • knocked up
  • hit a home run
  • knock about with (one)
  • reach first base