squeeze through

USAGE SUMMARY

"squeeze through" is a valid phrase that is used in everyday written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where one is able to squeeze themselves through a narrow opening or tight space. Example: He had to squeeze through the small gap in the fence to get to the other side.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Can I squeeze through?

Yale University

"If they squeeze through, it's a miracle".

The Guardian - Music

Once breached, the membrane allows cells to squeeze through and invade other tissues.

Stanford University

"I think they can probably squeeze through by the skin of their teeth," the analyst says.

Forbes

To reach them you climb narrow, winding roads, and squeeze through tight old streets.

BBC

I'll try and squeeze through.

Yale University

"They have to squeeze through it too".

The Guardian

A dissenter did manage to squeeze through.

The New York Times

This time, England may squeeze through.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cells that squeeze through this opening faster are more deformable.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Fans squeeze through narrow concourses and squint at tiny scoreboards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "squeeze through" metaphorically to express narrowly overcoming challenges or obstacles, such as "The company managed to squeeze through the recession."

Common error

While versatile, "squeeze through" can sound informal in some formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "navigate" or "overcome" in business reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "squeeze through" functions as a verb phrase, typically used intransitively. It describes the action of managing to pass through a tight or constricted space. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage, reflecting its established role in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

16%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "squeeze through" is a versatile and frequently used verb phrase that effectively describes the act of managing to pass through a narrow space or overcome a difficult challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its primary function is to vividly convey effort and narrow success in both physical and metaphorical scenarios. While generally neutral in register, it is more suitable for informal contexts, with more formal writing potentially benefiting from alternatives like "navigate" or "overcome". Overall, "squeeze through" remains a valuable tool for expressing the idea of narrowly making it past obstacles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make it through

Focuses on the successful completion of a difficult passage or situation.

force one's way

Emphasizes the effort and determination required to pass through.

slip through

Highlights stealth or luck in passing unnoticed or avoiding obstacles.

slip past

Similar to "slip through", but with an emphasis on not being seen.

barely make it

Indicates a very close call or minimal success in getting through.

scrape through

Implies a narrow escape or success achieved with minimal margin.

thread one's way

Suggests carefully navigating through obstacles or a crowd.

wiggle through

Implies a twisting or turning motion to navigate a tight space.

eke out a passage

Suggests a slow, laborious process of creating or finding a way through.

wriggle through

Similar to "wiggle through", but emphasizing more contortion.

FAQs

How can I use "squeeze through" in a sentence?

You can use "squeeze through" to describe physically fitting through a narrow space, like "I had to squeeze through the gap in the fence", or metaphorically, like "The team managed to "scrape through" despite the difficulties".

What does it mean to "squeeze through" something?

To "squeeze through" means to manage to pass through a narrow or tight space by compressing or contorting oneself. It can also mean to narrowly succeed in a challenging situation.

What are some synonyms for "squeeze through"?

Alternatives to "squeeze through" include "force one's way", "make it through", or "slip through", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "squeeze through" in formal writing?

While "squeeze through" is widely understood, it may be more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "navigate" or "overcome" for a more professional tone.