pack (something) in
Meaning(s)
1. stop doing something
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
pack in your job
Analysis
To pack something in is to stop doing something or to quit. When you pack something in you give up or desist. This is an idiom that is used in both social and professional contexts.
Social Examples (Basic)
- Oh, pack it in, would you? I'm sick of hearing you complaining about things!
Professional Examples (Basic)
- David managed to pack a lot of information into his report. It was very informative.
- Let's get started. This meeting is only an hour and we have a lot to pack in.
2. fit a lot of things or people into a limited period of time or space
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
pack in a crowd
Analysis
To pack something in can mean to fit many things into a small amount of space or time. Similar in meaning to 'squeeze in' or 'fit in'. So for example, if you go on holidays you might pack in a lot of activities.
Social Examples (Basic)
- The singer is still very popular. She packed in the crowds everywhere she went on tour.
- The Metro is always so full at rush hour people are packed in to each train.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- David managed to pack a lot of information into his report. It was very informative.
- Let's get started. This meeting is only an hour and we have a lot to pack in.