pinch out

1. To remove the top part of a plant's main stem (by pinching it off with one's finger tips) in order to make the plant grow. (In each usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "pinch" and "out.") I always pinch out my flowers so they become fuller and bushier as they grow.

2. To tighten a piece of clothing by pinching or folding a section of the fabric and then sewing it into place. I usually pinch a dart out on either side of the top to give it the desired shape.

3. To close a space in front of someone so as not to allow them to pass, as during a race. The lead car pinched out the other driver just as they headed around the turn. I wanted to get ahead of the other cyclists, but they kept pinching me out in traffic.

4. slang To steal something out of something. Someone must have pinched my wallet right out of my pocket. The CEO pinched millions out of the employee pension fund.

5. vulgar slang To defecate, especially quickly. I'll be right back. I need to go pinch out a loaf. A: "Where's Jim?" B: "He's in the toilet pinching one out."