What does “Cheek by jowl” mean?
"Cheek by jowl" means that two things or people are positioned very close together.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
The houses in the neighborhood were built cheek by jowl.
The houses in the neighborhood were built cheek by jowl.
Example
The students sat cheek by jowl in the crowded classroom.
The students sat cheek by jowl in the crowded classroom.
Example
The cars were parked cheek by jowl in the small parking lot
The cars were parked cheek by jowl in the small parking lot
Is “Cheek by jowl” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cheek by jowl” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Cheek by jowl” effectively in context?
You can use "Cheek by jowl" to describe things or people that are very close together, emphasizing their proximity. For example, if you want to describe a neighborhood where the houses are built very close to each other, you could say, 'The houses in the neighborhood were built "cheek by jowl".'
- 1Neighborhood
The houses in the neighborhood were built cheek by jowl.
The houses in the neighborhood were built cheek by jowl.
- 2Classroom
The students sat cheek by jowl in the crowded classroom.
The students sat cheek by jowl in the crowded classroom.
- 3Parking lot
The cars were parked cheek by jowl in the small parking lot.
The cars were parked cheek by jowl in the small parking lot.
Similar phrases to “Cheek by jowl”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cheek by jowl” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cheek by jowl" is unknown.
Is “Cheek by jowl” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cheek by jowl" is a relatively common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where things or people are closely packed together.
What tone does “Cheek by jowl” have?
"Cheek by jowl" conveys a tone of closeness and tightness. It is used to emphasize the proximity of things or people.
Can “Cheek by jowl” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Cheek by jowl" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes physical proximity. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The houses in the neighborhood were built "cheek by jowl".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Everything was "cheek by jowl"!' to imply a crowded or tightly packed situation.
