Packed like sardines Meaning in English
expression
ˈpækt/ /ˈɫaɪk/ /sɑɹˈdinz
PAKT lyke sar-DEENZ
pˈækt/ /lˈaɪk/ /sɑːdˈiːnz
PAKT lyke sar-DEENZ
Definition
Used to describe a place that is extremely crowded, with people or things pressed closely together, as in a can of sardines.
Usage & Nuances
Mainly informal; often describes public transport, small rooms, or busy events. Can be playful, not negative. Do not use literally for sardines; it's a metaphor for crowding.
Spanish: apretados como sardinasPortuguese (BR): apinhados como sardinhaPortuguese (PT): apinhados como sardinhaChinese (Simplified): 像沙丁鱼一样挤Chinese (Traditional): 像沙丁魚一樣擠Hindi: सार्डिन मछली की तरह ठूंसा हुआArabic: مكتظون مثل السردينBengali: সারডিনের ক্যানের মতোぎぎভর্তি -ぎぎপ্রচন্ড ভিড়Russian: как сельди в бочкеJapanese: ぎゅうぎゅう詰めVietnamese: chật như nêm - đông như cá mòiKorean: 정어리 통조림처럼 꽉 찬Turkish: balık istifi gibiUrdu: سردین کے ڈبے کی طرح بھرے ہوئےIndonesian: penuh sesak seperti sarden
Example Sentences
The train was packed like sardines this morning.
basic
We were packed like sardines in the elevator.
basic
The classroom was packed like sardines during the exam.
basic
We got on the bus, and it was already packed like sardines.
natural
You should have seen the concert crowd—everyone was packed like sardines!
natural
It's always packed like sardines on the subway at rush hour.
natural