a tight squeeze

tight squeeze

1. A very small, cramped area for someone or something to fit into. The plane's seat was a tight squeeze, but for such a low airfare it was a pretty minor complaint. It was a tight squeeze, but we managed to get the sofa through the door and up the stairs.
2. A very narrow window of time in which to accomplish something. I'll be a tight squeeze, but we should make it to the airport with just enough time to make our flight. Due to the nature of our work, we're used to tight squeezes when it comes to deadlines.
See also: squeeze, tight
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a tight squeeze

If something is a tight squeeze, there is very little room for the people or things in a place. Six people can fit comfortably around this table. Seven is a tight squeeze. The rooms are luxurious and comfortable, although the bathrooms are a tight squeeze.
See also: squeeze, tight
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a ˌtight ˈsqueeze

a situation where you do not have much space to put things in: We managed to get all the luggage in the car but it was a tight squeeze.
See also: squeeze, tight
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • tight squeeze
  • crush (something) out of (someone or something)
  • crush out of
  • squeeze into
  • squeeze into (something)
  • squeeze out
  • squeeze out (of something)
  • squeeze (something) out of (someone or something)
  • squeeze by
  • be (one's)/the main squeeze
References in classic literature
In spite of the enlargement of the entrance we had made, it was still a tight squeeze for us to get in.
Before Adam
It's a tight squeeze - all because one of these wallabies is an imposter.
Wallaby my mother?
And it was a tight squeeze for the skipper - the huge vessel is 377 yards long and 44 yards wide.
Like to see you doing a 3-point turn in there, skipper
Previous Batmen Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney had no problems fitting into theirs, but for muscle-bound Christian, from Haverfordwest, the prequel Batman Begins is proving a tight squeeze.
Batman Bale's fit to burst
There will certainly be some buildings where that will put a tight squeeze on things."
Rent Guidelines Board sets preliminary 8.5% rent hike
The outlook for the office market in 2001 will be a tight squeeze, but will still bode well for investors, says a new research report released by international property consultants, King Sturge.
Property: Report highlights squeeze for offices
"It was a tight squeeze to get the strip in place," CMM operator Steve Carbary recalls.
Mold to big to move? Portable CMM solves QC problem
Shafts measure about two feet wide, offering adults a tight squeeze, she notes.
Bronze Age tin mine found in Turkey