General
pinch hitter
What does pinch hitter mean?
A player substituted into the lineup to bat in place of a scheduled hitter, often in a key spot.
"The manager sent up a pinch hitter to face the lefty."
Origin
American baseball; 'pinch' meaning an emergency or tight spot.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'pinch hitter' in baseball?
A pinch hitter is a substitute batter sent in to hit in place of a scheduled player, often in a crucial situation.
Why is it called a 'pinch hitter'?
'Pinch' means an emergency or tight spot, so the pinch hitter is the batter brought in when the team is in a jam.
Does 'pinch hitter' get used outside baseball?
Yes, it's commonly used figuratively for anyone who fills in for someone else at short notice, as in 'she pinch-hit for the sick presenter.'
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
