pinch at
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To find fault with; to take exception to.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
[…]and lastly in what case the Putcase, and his fellowes are, that in broade speeches openly, and in printed bookes directly oppugne them; and by calumnious questions pinch at them?
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “pinch at” mean?
To find fault with; to take exception to.
Is “pinch at” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.