to the gunwales

to the gunwales

As full as it can be; to the very top. A gunwale is the uppermost part of the side of a boat or fortification. The car is packed to the gunwales, so if you want to bring anything else, you'll have to hold it on your lap. You should have seen this old book store. There were books stacked to the gunwales!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • full boat
  • be packed (in) like sardines
  • packed
  • sardine
  • rise to the top
  • jampacked
  • jam-packed
  • breast up
  • by a canvas
  • go aboard
References in classic literature
The submarine was withdrawing toward the north, but all the time it was shelling the open boats, three of them, loaded to the gunwales with survivors.
The Land That Time Forgot
Now Matai Shang was close to the gunwale. A long, claw-like hand was reaching up to grasp the metal rail.
Warlord of Mars
Both rotate on hinges screwed to brackets at the bottom corners of the rectangular frames, which bolt to the gunwales with eight, 3 / 8" bolts threaded into Driftmaster rod holders.
Under Construction: Safety fencing is the backbone of this NC pop-up blind
For the rest of us, it rates as the sort of car that will be ideal for the school run, commuting or taking the family on their annual holiday, loaded to the gunwales. It is incredibly comfortable, great to drive and oozes quality.
Hybrid comes with quality guaranteed
It will now happily soak-up our potholed city streets on the school run or easily cruise along at motorway speeds, loaded to the gunwales for a family outing.
Enjoyment is the name of the game
The Peugeot 3008 is quiet, comfy and is perfectly happy either on the school run or loaded to the gunwales with family holiday clobber.
3008 SUV is a winner
The idea that a referendum merely advises a House of Commons stuffed to the gunwales with Remainers, who are then free to defy the will of the people, is the creed of those who would put power in the hands of intellectual theorists.
Brexit ruling does not leave MPs free to defy the will of the British people
I had it packed to the gunwales and despite some of the party paraphernalia spilling into the cabin, it still felt spacious.
Carry a birthday girl, mum, dad and all the party goodies in one car? Piece of cake; MailmotorsEDITED BY MAGGIE BARRY; Toyota's Auris is winning the space race
We are, therefore, stuffed to the gunwales. Indeed, somewhere amid the piles festooning my dining room/hall/landing/study/kitchen/garage there might well BE a gunwale or two.
THIS MUCH I KNOW; OPINION
"Our last two taster days were packed to the gunwales."
Most applications for new school from outside city
Old Samaritans are already full to the gunwales with previously taken desert dogs (DD) and cats.
Constant dog day afternoons..
For the inspection I was escorted by Nauta's Design's Massimo Gino who talked me through the radical changes below deck: the new 55 is the first Oceanis with large hull windows, with white bulkheads and cabinetiy that has been elevated to the gunwales freeing up space around the settee level.
Neptune's new clothes: the radically new Oceanis 55 Debuted at the Sydney international boat show in early august, with its arrival bringing an all-new look to Beneteau's popular cruising Marque, reports Kevin Green
"It's packed to the gunwales, it is hotter here than it is in the Med and Llandudno has got a spring in its step.
Coast with the most for Jamie; Chatty presenter on spectacular paths
"Everyone gets a daily and weekly Pro Points allowance and you can fill yourself up to the gunwales with food as long as you eat the right kind.
I LOOK BETTER ON TELLY NOW I'VE LOST THE BELLY; MasterChef's Gregg sheds 2st
It peeled off and gave the water access to the bottom." A basketball-sized hole in the rear hull caused it to sink to the gunwales, and the salvaging caused even more damage.
My fair lady