pinch-hit

pinch-hit  {v.}

1. To substitute for another player at bat in a baseball game.

Smith was sent in to pinch-hit for Jones.

2.  {informal}

To act for a while, or in an emergency, for another person; take someone's place for a while.

I asked him to pinch-hit for me while I was away.

The president of the City Council pinch-hits for the mayor when the mayor is out of town.

- pinch-hitter  {n.}

Jones was hit by a pitched ball and Smith came in as a pinch-hitter.

When our teacher was sick, Mrs. Harris was called as a pinch-hitter.

- pinch-hitting  {adj.} or  {n.}