Language Research

squeeze · verb T

/skwiːz/Full view

squeeze

B2 to press something firmly

Dictionary examples:

She squeezed his hand and said goodbye.

Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl.

The baby loves that doll because it laughs when you squeeze it.

Learner example:

It must have been nine o'clock and I was there, sitting [i]n my armchair, squeezing a cushion in my arms. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

squeeze through/past, etc.

C1 to move somewhere where there is very little space

Dictionary example:

She squeezed through a narrow gap in the wall.

Learner example:

There are [a] huge [number] of workers every morning trying to squeeze through the tiny door. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Korean)

squeeze (sb/sth) in/squeeze (sb/sth) into sth

B2 to succeed in getting someone or something into a small space or object, often by pushing or forcing

Dictionary examples:

We have four people in our car, but we could squeeze one more person in the back.

I must have put on some weight - I can only just squeeze into my jeans.

Learner example:

At the end of the day, I would not only be carrying [a] pile of shopping bags but also trying to squeeze in between other passengers on the train on my way home. (First Certificate in English; B2; Thai)

squeeze sb/sth in or squeeze in sb/sth

C2 to manage to do something or see someone in a short period of time or when you are very busy

Dictionary examples:

While we're in Australia, we're hoping to squeeze in a trip to the Barrier Reef.

I'm very busy this week but I could squeeze you in at 2:30 on Tuesday.

Learner example:

Besides, the acquisition of two more TV sets and video cassette players would be extremely desirable as at the moment we have great difficulty in squeezing in video lesson[s] in the timetable having only one video class[room] available. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)