pack (something) in

pack (something) in

1. To pack something into a container or enclosed space of some kind so that it may be stored or carried for future use. I packed an extra chocolate bar in your backpack today as a treat. I'm packing my maternity clothes in a box in the attic we decide to have another baby sometime in the future. I'm sorry, I already packed the toothpaste in the suitcase for our trip. Isn't there another tube somewhere?2. To manage to fit a lot of people or things into some enclosed space. Wow, they really pack the garlic in this dish, huh? Managers of the club have been accused of packing people in the club beyond its safety limits.3. To manage to schedule a lot of activities into a limited amount of time. You sure packed in a lot in just a week! I've stopped trying to pack so many things to do in every time I travel because I end up not enjoying the location itself.4. To surround something snugly within some substance or material. We'll have to pack the finger in ice if we want to have any chance of reattaching it. They packed the stereo equipment in foam to ensure it wasn't damaged during delivery.5. To quit or give up something. I'm so glad you packed in the smoking—I wouldn't have been able to bear it if you had fallen ill from it. Tom packed his job in and moved to the countryside to work on his father's farm.See also: pack

pack something in something

to surround or enclose something in something. They packed his wounded hand in Ice, then took him to the hospital. Pack the vase in shredded paper before you close the box.See also: pack

pack in

v.1. To fit something into some enclosed space for storage or travel: I packed our sandwiches in the picnic basket.2. To fit something into some limited space: Do you think you could pack in a few more pairs of socks in your bag? There was not much room in the trunk for the bags, but I was able to pack them in.3. To stop doing something, as a job or habit; retire from doing something: He packed in his career as a railroad engineer when the trains were sold. She wasn't making any money through her work, so she decided to pack it in.4. To attract a large number of people: The speaker's seminars have been packing in audiences all month. Good marketing will pack audiences in at the premiere.See also: pack