do in a pinch

informal To be suitable, adequate, or acceptable, especially as a substitute for someone or something that is preferable or more ideal. Typically used after modal verbs, especially "will." If you don't have any butter, some vegetable oil will do in a pinch. Ah, I guess this shade of lipstick will do in a pinch—it's better than nothing. My brother's laptop is a piece of junk, but it will do in a pinch if you have to finish your essay now.