Pinch point

Pronunciation: /ˈpɪntʃ ˈpɔɪnt/

Pinch point (noun)

  1. A place where movement becomes difficult because space or time is limited.
  2. A part of a plan or system where progress is most likely to slow or fail.
  3. In engineering or logistics, the stage with the smallest capacity that limits the whole process.

Examples

  • The road has a pinch point where cars slow down quickly.
  • A pinch point forms near the bridge, and traffic backs up.