Food

Packed like sardines

Pressed very close together in a crowded space.

Examples

  • We were packed like sardines on the train this morning.
  • Forty people were packed like sardines into that tiny room.

How to use it

Informal. Usually after "be" or "get". "Crammed like sardines" is also used.

Where it comes from

Sardines are sold tightly packed together in small tins.