cheek by jowl

1. Situated side by side or in close contact: “The commuters were packed in the subway cheek by jowl.”

Idioms and Phrases

Side by side, close together, as in In that crowded subway car we stood cheek by jowl, virtually holding one another up . This term dates from the 16th century, when it replaced cheek by cheek .

Example Sentences

Ruoff’s team has already used it to make diamond films composed of thousands of tiny crystals packed cheek by jowl.

From Science Magazine

The threat to residents is magnified by the particular geography of Khartoum - its key strategic installations, which are being targeted, sit cheek by jowl with residential areas.

From BBC

“The houses are crammed in there, cheek by jowl,” he added.

From Seattle Times

The documentary is distinguished by its striking visual design, which expresses the theme of “the city as a space where human and non-human lives are constantly jostling cheek by jowl.”

From Los Angeles Times

Imagine the potential carnage if someone at rush hour opens fire inside a crowded Metro car, where 120 people might be crammed cheek by jowl.

From Washington Post