Meaning
Very tightly or snugly packed together, especially in a small space. Alludes to the way in which sardines are packed closely together during canning.
Examples
We didn’t want to take more than one car, so we had to drive for about four hours squashed like sardines in Jeff’s little sedan.
Having a concert in our friend’s café was such a good idea! Sure, we were squashed in like sardines, but everyone had a great time.
We were squashed like sardines on the rush-hour train.
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.