like sardines

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A prominent member of the association of victims' families, Maria Karystianou, told reporters that relatives had been "packed like sardines".

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

At night, bedbugs nibbled at the 312 people laying like sardines on the floor of Namazi’s section of Ward 4.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

All of which makes the decision to play in the round, packed like sardines in a crushed tin can, all the more significant.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2025

The bloom currently wreaking havoc off the coast produces a neurotoxin called domoic acid, which accumulates in small fish like sardines and anchovies.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2025

The dock smells like sardines and it’s pretty deserted—unless you count the birds, which I don’t because it makes me think about Natalie.

From "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko