What is the origin of the idiom "cheek by jowl" and when to use it?

The idiom "cheek by jowl" originated from Middle English and was first recorded in the 16th century. It combines the word "cheek," meaning the side of the face, with "jowl," referring to the jaw or lower part of the face. This phrase is used to describe things or people positioned extremely close together, often emphasizing the lack of space or distance between them.