pinch away

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pinch away" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructed to remove or take something by pinching, often in cooking or crafting. Example: "To create the perfect pastry, pinch away the excess dough around the edges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We have assets in our first team squad that other clubs are looking to pinch away from us.

BBC

"The good thing about a digital monument is that it is just a click or a pinch away.

Vice

Discrete loops of membrane, from which actin filaments emanate, pinch away from the phagocytic cups, potentially providing one of the driving forces necessary for EB internalization.

Cellular Microbiology

Pinch away faded blooms.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

When holding the device upright, this mapping is similar to that used by Sticky Tools [31] or most touch interfaces where pinching away brings the object closer to the surface (zoom).

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

For smaller baby greens the stem can usually be pinched away with a thumb and forefinger.

WikiHow

Then slowly pinch out and pull your two fingers away from each other to zoom in the frame of the camera.

WikiHow

"I'm adjusting to the adjustments," said Annie Wright, the designer's daughter, who received one of the first shipments last month and put her vintage Pinch pieces away.

The New York Times

Today, "Pinch" stayed away... a chicken entrail that can be picked over by Pinchologists looking for signs of what's going on behind-closed-doors at the Times.

Huffington Post

The pinch out of sand units is predicted to occur when reflectors pinch out away from areas of sequence thickening.

Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology

The bud, as it's called, pinches off and slips away.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing precise actions like removing small parts of plants or crafting materials, "pinch away" provides a clear and concise visual.

Common error

Avoid using "pinch away" to describe abstract concepts like removing feelings or problems. It is best suited for physical actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pinch away" functions primarily as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "pinch" with the adverb "away" to describe the action of removing something by gripping it with the thumb and forefinger and pulling it off. This is supported by Ludwig's examples which focus on the literal action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

30%

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pinch away" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of removing something by pinching it. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. It's most frequently found in Wiki, News & Media and Scientific writing and instructions, particularly when explaining how to remove small pieces from plants or materials. It's best to avoid using it in abstract or metaphorical contexts where other verbs might be more appropriate. Keep in mind the potential misuse of the phrase, focusing on tangible actions for clearer communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove by pinching

Focuses on the action of removal specifically using a pinching motion.

take off by pinching

Emphasizes detachment via pinching.

nip off

Implies a quick and precise removal, similar to pinching.

pluck off

Suggests a deliberate removal by gripping and pulling.

crimp off

Focuses on creating a crimp while removing, applicable in specific crafting contexts.

ease out

Suggests a gradual and gentle removal, less forceful than pinching.

draw back

Emphasizes the retraction or pulling back of something.

peel back

Describes the action of peeling something away, often in layers.

chip away

Indicates gradual reduction by removing small pieces.

shave off

Suggests removing a thin layer or portion.

FAQs

How can I use "pinch away" in a sentence?

You can use "pinch away" to describe the action of removing something by pinching it, as in "Pinch away the excess dough after cutting out the cookie shapes".

What can I say instead of "pinch away"?

You can use alternatives like "remove by pinching" or "take off by pinching" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "pinch away" metaphorically?

While primarily used for physical actions, "pinch away" can be used metaphorically in informal contexts to suggest a subtle or minimal removal, though this is less common. More direct alternatives would be best.

What is the difference between "pinch away" and "chip away"?

"Pinch away" suggests a one-time removal of something by pinching, while "chip away" implies a gradual process of removing small pieces over time.