feel the pinch # z% z0 D0 O C2 ^. O- X5 i a financially difficult, tight, strained, or squeezed circumstance or situation [$ v( }+ H/ |" M( R2 a( f2 n EXAMPLE: # v* B; L" w' {( x* l5 g4 l "Experiencing little demand for its products, the company began to feel the pinch."