burst at the seams — to be completely full; to be unable to contain more people or things
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to be completely full; to be unable to contain more people or things
Pronunciation (IPA): /bɜːrst æt ðə siːmz/
Example Sentences
- The concert hall was bursting at the seams with screaming fans.
- My suitcase is bursting at the seams - I bought way too many souvenirs!
- The small café was bursting at the seams during the lunch rush.
burst at the seams
NOUN[/bɜːrst æt ðə siːmz/]
to be completely full; to be unable to contain more people or things
The tiny cafe was bursting at the seams with weekend brunch customers.
The library bursts at the seams with dreams and streams of light!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom originates from the literal condition of garments or bags becoming so overfilled that the stitched seams rupture or burst open. The phrase emerged from observing the physical failure point of sewn fabric when excessive contents strain the seams beyond their capacity.
Breakdown
burst (to break apart suddenly) + at the seams (at the stitched line joining fabric edges) = to be so completely full that structural failure occurs, often used metaphorically for situations, emotions, or places at their maximum capacity.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The concert hall was bursting at the seams with screaming fans.”
“My suitcase is bursting at the seams - I bought way too many souvenirs!”
“The small café was bursting at the seams during the lunch rush.”
“His wallet was bursting at the seams with business cards he'd never use.”
📚Related Words
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