be squashed (in) like sardines

To be very tightly or snugly packed together, especially in a small space. Alludes to the way in which sardines are packed closely together during canning. We didn't want to take more than one car, so we had to be squashed like sardines in Jeff's little sedan for the four-hour drive to Moab. Having a concert in our friend's café was such a good idea! Sure, we were squashed in like sardines, but everyone had a great time. The airline doesn't care if we're squashed in like sardines, so long as they get our ticket fare.