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packed (in) like sardines
01
without sufficient space for one to move freely
What is the origin of the idiom "packed like sardines" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "packed like sardines" can be traced back to the practice of canning sardines, where these small fish are tightly packed in cans to maximize storage space. The expression is used metaphorically to convey the idea of being crowded or tightly squeezed together in a confined space, much like the sardines in a can. It emphasizes a lack of personal space and discomfort due to the overcrowded conditions.
Example
The small elevator was filled to capacity, with people squashed like sardines, eager to reach their desired floor.
The concert was so popular that the audience was packed like sardines in the stadium.
During rush hour, the subway train is often packed like sardines with commuters trying to get to work.
