# packed to the rafters

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/packed-to-the-rafters
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Completely full (of things, of stuff); packed; stuffed.

## Examples

- The small basement is packed to the rafters with old boxes.
- The concert hall was packed to the rafters, leaving no room for anyone else to stand.
- Although the library archives were packed to the rafters with dusty manuscripts, the researcher remained determined to find the missing document.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.