packed in like sardines

Idioms  

1. Extremely crowded, as in I could barely breathe—we were packed in like sardines. This term, alluding to how tightly sardines are packed in cans, has been applied to human crowding since the late 1800s.

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Example Sentences

She stressed that some of her opposition comes out of fear that the RV park’s residents, who she said will be “packed in like sardines,” won’t be safe themselves.

From Los Angeles Times

“Everybody’s packed in like sardines. My friends are looking at me, and I’m like, ‘I’m sorry.’

From Los Angeles Times

Proper Fish is as popular as ever, with patrons packed in like sardines, and the staff assured me nothing has changed.

From Seattle Times

"You're all packed in like sardines," she declares before launching into Kiss Them For Me.

From BBC

“The crowd was in a standstill. People are packed in like sardines.”

From Los Angeles Times