chock-a-block
/'tʃɔkə'blɔk/
Definition
Adverb:
- As completely as possible; packed or crammed to the point where no more can be added. It describes a state of being extremely full or crowded.
Adjective (Predicative):
- Extremely full or crowded. Used after a verb like 'be' or 'get' to describe a space or container.
Usage
- The word is used to emphasize that a place, container, or situation is so full that nothing more can fit.
- It is often followed by the preposition 'with' to specify what the space is full of.
- It is a colloquial term, more common in informal speech and writing.
Examples
- Adverb:
- The stadium was chock-a-block for the final match.
- The shelves were chock-a-block with old books.
- Adjective:
- The train was chock-a-block during rush hour.
- My schedule is chock-a-block this week.
Advanced Usage
- "chock-a-block with [something]": This is the most common construction.
- The report was chock-a-block with technical jargon.
- Used to describe abstract concepts like schedules or information being very full.
- The meeting agenda is absolutely chock-a-block.
Variants and Related Words
- Chock-full (adj.): Completely full. (Often considered a variant or synonym).
- The glass was chock-full of juice.
- Chock (n./v.): A wedge or block used to prevent movement. (The origin of the term, from nautical use where blocks were pulled tight together).
Synonyms
- Packed: Filled with a large number of people or things.
- Crammed: Forced into a space that is too small.
- Bursting: So full as to be almost breaking open.
- Jam-packed: Extremely crowded or full. (Very close in meaning and register).
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Full to the brim: Completely full.
- Packed to the rafters: Extremely crowded (often for a building or room).
- Full to capacity: Containing as much or as many as possible.
Adverb
-
as completely as possible
-
it was chock-a-block full
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