Situations when there are too many people or things around are familiar to everyone. And it is for such moments that there are apt folk sayings. In Russian, they say: “Yabloku negde upast” (The apple will not fall anywhere) when they want to emphasize the crampedness, the lack of free space. How to convey this saying in Ukrainian, says WomanEL.
Content Literal translationUkrainian phraseology and equivalentsCultural adaptation 
The apple will not fall anywhere. Source: pinterest.com
Literal translation
The simplest version is “The apple has nowhere to fall.” It is quite understandable, as it preserves the imagery of the original. However, in colloquial speech and literary texts, other, more natural equivalents are more often used.
Ukrainian phraseology and equivalents
The Ukrainian language is rich in vivid expressions that convey the same meaning:
• “Nowhere for a needle to fall” is one of the most common options. It perfectly conveys the idea of a large crowd of people or objects.
• “Nowhere to Step” is an option for situations when it is difficult to find a place to take a step.
• “It's as tight as a barrel of herring” is a figurative expression that emphasizes the lack of space.
• “A crowd like at a fair” — well conveys the atmosphere of a large gathering of people.
• “Don't push through” is an option that emphasizes how difficult it is to move around in a crowded place.
Cultural adaptation
Different options can be used in different situations. For example, if we are talking about a crowded subway, “Nowhere to fall” or “Don’t push through” would be best. If we are talking about a noisy party, “It’s as tight as a barrel of herring.”
The Ukrainian language offers many interesting alternatives, and everyone can choose the option that best conveys the atmosphere of the moment.
Also learn how to convey the meaning of the Russian expression “A cat in a bag” in Ukrainian.