To squeeze is to press something firmly from opposite sides, often to get liquid out, change its shape, or fit it into a small space. It can also mean to tightly limit time, money, or opportunities.
From Middle English “squesen,” probably from Old French “esquiser” meaning “to crush,” influenced by “quease” (to press, trouble). The exact origin is uncertain but related to ideas of pressing and crushing.
We squeeze oranges, hands, and even schedules—always with the idea of pressure. When people say “I’ll squeeze you in,” they’re treating their calendar like a sponge that can just barely be pressed to make room.
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