1 B1 informal
To fit into a small physical space with difficulty
"We managed to squeeze in five people on the back seat, though it was very uncomfortable."
inseparable
squeeze in
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To fit into a small space or to find time for something in a busy schedule
In plain English
To fit yourself or something into a very small space or a very busy schedule
What does "squeeze in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To find time for something or someone within a busy schedule
"The doctor said she could squeeze me in at four o'clock if I came straight away."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To squeeze means to press something through a tight space; 'in' signals entering a confined area
Actually means
To fit yourself or something into a very small space or a very busy schedule
Usage tip
Extremely common in everyday English for both physical fitting (into a space) and scheduling (into a calendar). 'Can you squeeze me in?' is a very common expression used when requesting an appointment at a doctor, hairdresser, etc.
Words that pair with "squeeze in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
appointment meeting workout visit seat schedule
How to conjugate "squeeze in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
squeeze in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
squeezes in
he/she/it
Past simple
squeezed in
yesterday
Past participle
squeezed in
have + pp
-ing form
squeezing in
continuous
Hear "squeeze in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "squeeze in"
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