Squeeze Meaning
Squeeze Definition & Usage
To apply pressure to something in order to extract liquid or to make it smaller, tighter, or more compact.
Examples
- "She squeezed the toothpaste from the bottom to get the last bit out."
- "He squeezed the orange to make fresh juice for breakfast."
- "I squeezed the sponge to remove excess water before cleaning the counter."
- "She squeezed his hand tightly for reassurance."
- "The mechanic squeezed the hose to remove the air bubbles."
To force or manipulate someone or something into a situation with limited options or resources.
Examples
- "The company is trying to squeeze more profits out of its workers by cutting benefits."
- "She squeezed into a tight dress that was two sizes too small."
- "The manager squeezed in an extra meeting despite the tight schedule."
- "They squeezed in a quick lunch between appointments."
- "The team was squeezed for time as the deadline approached."
To extract or take money or resources from someone or something, often in a way that feels unfair or excessive.
Examples
- "The company has been squeezing customers with hidden fees."
- "They tried to squeeze the last bit of profit from their investments before the market crashed."
- "The landlord is squeezing the tenants with high rent hikes."
- "The government's new tax laws will squeeze small businesses."
- "He felt the bank was squeezing him with interest rates that were too high."
Cultural Context
The word 'squeeze' has been in use since the 14th century, originating from Old French. It has evolved in meaning from a literal physical action to a range of figurative and financial contexts. The use of 'squeeze' often carries connotations of pressure or constraint, and is used widely in both everyday life and business.
The Squeeze
Story
The Squeeze
It was the last day of the art exhibition, and the gallery was packed with people trying to squeeze in as much as they could before it closed. Julia, a young artist, felt the tension in the room. Everyone seemed to be on edge, from the visitors eyeing the art pieces to the staff frantically trying to wrap up sales. But amidst the chaos, Julia noticed something peculiar. There, in the corner, was an elderly woman struggling to squeeze through the crowd. She was clutching a small painting that Julia had almost forgotten about—the one she had painted when she first started. The woman smiled, her face lighting up when she saw Julia. 'I knew this one would be the one,' she said, squeezing Julia’s hand gently. It was a gesture that reminded Julia of the power of human connection in a space where everything felt rushed. As she looked around the gallery, Julia realized that the ‘squeeze’ was not just in the tight spaces or the rush of the closing moments; it was also in the people’s faces, each one trying to extract the meaning of the art in their own way. Later that evening, as Julia was cleaning up, her phone buzzed. It was a text from her gallery manager: 'We’ve squeezed in one last sale today. They took the painting!' Julia smiled. Even in the face of pressure, something beautiful had come from it. In the end, the squeeze had worked in her favor.
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