Crossword Genius

Only if it's really necessary (2,1,5)

Ross

I think it could be either:

Which length description are you looking for?:

8

2,1,5

at a pinch

(Other definitions for at a pinch that I've seen before include "In time of difficulty or necessity - nip it" , "In case of necessity" , "if need be" , "in a crisis?" , "If absolutely necessary" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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