Visitors are packed like sardines in a pool at a tourist resort in Sichuan province, China. Photo: Reuters.
Today's Phrase
We use the expression 'packed like sardines' to describe people in a very crowded space.
For example:
I hate getting the train in the morning. We're all packed like sardines and it's always hot and smelly.
Henry didn't stay at the party for very long – he said there were so many people they were packed like sardines.
The fans were packed like sardines at the music festival.
Don't confuse it with
Another expression you can use to describe a place that’s very full of people or things is 'chock-a-block':
For example:
I'm afraid I'm going to be late as I'm stuck in traffic. The streets are chock-a-block with cars today.
The bar was so chock-a-block with people that I couldn't move!
Interesting fact
There is evidence that Egyptians practised swimming as early as 2500 BCE. In Greece and Rome swimming was an important part of martial arts training. It was only in the 19th century that swimming became a very popular sport and in 1896 it was included in the Olympic Games.
