in a pinch
(idiomatic) In an urgent or difficult situation; when no other solution is available.
It's not a great fashion statement, but in a pinch a large trash bag will keep you dry.
Borrowing has a bad name, but you would be surprised how it helps in a pinch. Will Cuppy
Of course, I do have a slight advantage over the rest of you. It helps in a pinch to be able to remind your bride that you gave up a throne for her. Edward VIII of the United Kingdom
Part of the beauty of the show in a way is that he's not perfect, but you can always count on him to do the right thing in a pinch. That's why he inspires people and inspires me. Stephen Collins
Alanna didn't approve of lying, but in a pinch a lie was sometimes better than the truth. Tamora Pierce
Anyway, the Shanna woman was abrasive, self-obsessed, smug-and those were her good points. Julia suspected that in a pinch the woman might also be careless, the one sin reality never forgave. Gregory Benford