pack like sardines

pack (someone or something) (in) like sardines

To fit many people or things very tightly or snugly into 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 Jeff packed us like sardines in his little sedan for the four-hour drive to Moab. Having a concert in our friends café was such a good idea! Sure, we had to pack people in like sardines, but everyone had a great time. I wish you would just let us buy you a bigger backpack! It makes my own back hurt watching you pack those books like sardines into your little shoulder bag.

See also: like, pack, sardine

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

pack someone or something (in) like sardines

Fig. to squeeze in as many people or things as possible. (From the way that many sardines are packed into a can.) They packed us in like sardines. There was no room to breathe. They packed in the people like sardines. Dave got a box and packed old negatives in like sardines.

See also: like, pack, sardine

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