This is the 9593rd most frequent Spanish word.
apretarse
To squeeze, tighten, or fit into a small space.
In this context, 'apretarse' is used figuratively, meaning to economize or adjust to a stricter budget.
Tenía que apretarse el cinturón para ahorrar más dinero.
He had to tighten his belt to save more money.
Here, 'apretarse' is used literally, to mean positioning oneself closely due to limited space.
Al entrar al ascensor todos tuvieron que apretarse un poco.
Upon entering the elevator, everyone had to squeeze in a bit.
In this sentence, 'apretarse' is used literally, referring to adjusting the tightness of a shoe on the person's foot.