compress

compress (something) into (something)

1. To mold something into a particular shape. We compressed the cookie dough into little balls and then put it on a baking sheet. Do we really need to compress the towels into swans? Do the guests actually care? Look at that—I compressed the clay into a pretty nice-looking heart!

2. To push on something so that it fits into a receptacle. Even sitting on my suitcase didn't help to compress the clothes into it. Would you just do the wash instead of compressing more and more dirty clothes into the hamper? Betsy tried compressing all of her stuffed animals into the toy box, but as soon as she let go of the lid, it immediately flew open.

See also: compress

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

compress something into something

 

1. to squeeze or press something into something, such as a mold or container. We compressed the tomatoes into the jar. I cannot compress any more clothing into the suitcase.

2. to form something into a shape by applying pressure. He compressed the mass of paper into a tight ball. The clay was compressed into the shape of a brick upon the application of pressure to the mold.

See also: compress

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.