Packed like sardines.
extremely crowded
Imagine you're trying to squeeze an entire pack of marshmallows into a tiny mug of hot chocolate. That's the visual you should have when someone mentions the idiom 'packed like sardines.' This fascinating expression paints a picture of a space so crowded that its occupants are squished tightly, just like sardines in a tin. Commonly used to describe public transportation or cramped events, the idiom illustrates discomfort caused by limited space, evoking a sense of being sandwiched ever so tightly without much room to wriggle!
Example Sentences
The bus was packed like sardines.
The bus was extremely crowded.
During rush hour, the subway cars are packed like sardines.
The subway cars are very crowded during rush hour.
We were packed like sardines on the crowded flight back home.
The flight was so crowded that everyone felt tightly packed.
