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The idiom “cheek by jowl” in English Grammar describes a situation in which people or things are very close together. Moreover, this setting could either be intimate or depict a crowded place. The imagery suggests a scenario where people or animals are so close that their cheeks are touching. Imagine a busy marketplace where vendors are crammed tightly together with their stalls almost touching, that is a perfect example of being cheek by jowl. Read on to learn more about the Cheek by Jowl Idiom, its meaning, origin, synonyms, usage in sentences and a quick quiz to test your understanding.
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Cheek by Jowl Idiom: Meaning, Origin and Example
As you have already learned, the idiom “cheek by jowl” means side by side or in close proximity. “Jowl” is another word for “jaw”. Furthermore, it symbolises physical closeness and conveys a close relationship or association. For example, the commuters were packed in the metro cheek by jowl every morning.
Cheek by Jowl Idiom Example Sentences
After getting through with the meaning and origin of the idiom “cheek by jowl” here are 5 example sentences of the idiom so that you can understand how to use it.
- In the busy city, people from all walks of life live cheek by jowl.
- The new apartment building stands cheek by jowl with the historic church.
- The rival teams were competing cheek by jowl for the championship title.
- The old market was filled with vendors selling their goods cheek by jowl.
- Despite their differences, the two friends managed to live cheek by jowl for years.
Also Read: Drive Someone Up The Wall Idiom
Synonyms of Cheek by Jowl Idiom
After understanding the meaning and usage examples of the idiom, here are synonyms which convey the idea of people or things being close together.
| Arm in arm | By the side of |
| Cheek to cheek | Beside one another |
| Crowded | Close |
| Hand in glove | Shoulder to shoulder |
Explore more exciting synonyms below!
| Synonyms of Journey | Synonyms of Fragile |
| Synonyms of Explore | Synonyms of Dull |
| Synonyms of Beautiful | Synonyms of Gratitude |
Idiom Quiz
After you have gone through all the details related to the ‘cheek by jowl’ idiom, it is time to test your learning with the help of this quiz.
- The two rival companies were operating ______________ in the same market.
a. cautiously
b. cheek by jowl
c. hand in hand
d. neck to neck
- The concert-goers were packed ______________ in the crowded stadium.
a. shoulder to shoulder
b. cheek by jowl
c. head to toe
d. heart to heart
- The protesters marched ______________ through the streets.
a. altogether
b. shoulder to shoulder
c. hands beside
d. wildly
- The skyscrapers stood ______________ in the city skyline.
a. cheek to cheek
b. side by side
c. shoulder to leg
d. head to toe
Here are your answers!
- b. cheek by jowl
- b. cheek by jowl
- b. shoulder to shoulder
- b. side by side
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FAQs
The idiom “cheek by jowl” means very close together, usually signifying a crowded or intimate situation. Moreover, it is when people or things are side by side with little space between them.
An example of cheek by jowl in a sentence is “The metro station was packed cheek by jowl.”
The only idiom with “jowl” is “cheek by jowl” which means close together.
The idiom “cheek by jowl” originated during William Shakespeare’s time and replaced the phrase “cheek by cheek” in the 16th century. Moreover, the Oxford English Dictionary also cites a 1577 translation by Meredith Hanmer as the earliest known use of the idiom.
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