Definition of the word squeeze in

The phrase "squeeze in" originated in the late 19th century in the United States, and its roots can be traced back to the farming industry. In agricultural areas, farmers would pack animals as closely as possible in a confined space in order to transport them to market. This process was called "squeezing in" or "crowding in" because you had to squeeze the animals closely together to make them all fit in the space provided. Over time, the phrase "squeeze in" started to be used in other contexts, particularly in relation to people trying to fit into small spaces. In busy urban areas, for example, people might try to "squeeze in" to a crowded subway car, or they might "squeeze in" between tables at a popular restaurant if they didn't have reservations. The phrase "squeeze in" also refers to trying to make time for something in your schedule, as in, "I'm really busy, but I think I can squeeze in a coffee with you this afternoon." Today, the phrase "squeeze in" is commonly used in a variety of contexts and has become a part of everyday English. It's often used in informal settings, such as in spoken conversation or in emails and text messages, and represents the human need to fit more into our busy and often crowded lives.