What does it Mean to be ‘Packed like Sardines’?

To be packed like sardines means very tightly packed together; enclosed so close together as to become uncomfortable or unpleasant.

Sardine is a fish that is sold in cans. These fish are packed tightly close to each other. This scenario has given rise to this phrase.

For example —

“All the buses were overcrowded due to the festival season. We were packed like sardines.”

The example is self-explanatory guys.

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Hi, I am Gauri Shanker, a Vocab teacher and enthusiast. I teach vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. You can check out my courses here.