OUT AT THE SEAMS Meaning and
Definition
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"Out at the seams" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something or someone that is experiencing excessive strain, pressure, or stress, resulting in a situation that is on the brink of falling apart or becoming unsustainable. The phrase draws upon the imagery of a seam, which is the line where two pieces of fabric are joined to create a structure. When something is "out at the seams," it suggests that the structure is breaking apart or the threads that hold it together are coming undone.
In a literal sense, the phrase implies that the seams of a garment are no longer able to handle the stress, causing them to burst open and potentially rendering the piece of clothing unwearable. However, when used metaphorically, it refers to a situation or person that is overwhelmed or stretched to its limits, often due to excessive demands, pressure, or an inability to cope with the current circumstances.
This expression is commonly used to describe situations where resources or coping mechanisms are insufficient, leading to an imminent collapse or breakdown. It can be applied to various contexts, such as describing an overwhelmed individual who is unable to handle their workload or responsibilities, a team or organization struggling to meet demands due to lack of resources, or even a system or structure that is under severe strain and on the verge of failure.
Common Misspellings for OUT AT THE SEAMS
- iut at the seams
- kut at the seams
- lut at the seams
- put at the seams
- 0ut at the seams
- 9ut at the seams
- oyt at the seams
- oht at the seams
- ojt at the seams
- oit at the seams
- o8t at the seams
- o7t at the seams
- our at the seams
- ouf at the seams
- oug at the seams
- ouy at the seams
- ou6 at the seams
- ou5 at the seams
- out zt the seams
- out st the seams
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