Crossword Genius

If absolutely necessary, un robinet, ein Hahn, un rubinetto, or üna spina (2,1,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

at a pinch

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'if absolutely necessary' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

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

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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