What does “Burst at the seams” mean?
"Burst at the seams" means to be extremely full or overcrowded.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The restaurant was bursting at the seams with customers.
Example
The concert venue was bursting at the seams with excited fans.
Example
The bus was bursting at the seams with passengers during rush hour
Is “Burst at the seams” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Burst at the seams” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Burst at the seams” effectively in context?
You can use "Burst at the Seams" to describe a place or situation that is extremely full or overcrowded. It emphasizes the idea of something being filled to its maximum capacity. For example, if you visit a popular restaurant and it's very crowded, you could say, 'The restaurant was "bursting at the seams" with customers.'
- 1Crowded Place
The concert venue was bursting at the seams with excited fans.
- 2Public Transportation
The bus was bursting at the seams with passengers during rush hour.
- 3Overfilled Container
The suitcase was bursting at the seams with clothes.
Similar phrases to “Burst at the seams”:
Jam-packed
To be extremely crowded or filled to capacity
Example
The subway train was jam-packed during rush hour.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Burst at the seams” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Burst at the Seams" is unknown.
Is “Burst at the seams” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Burst at the Seams" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to vividly describe situations or places that are extremely full or overcrowded.
What tone does “Burst at the seams” have?
"Burst at the Seams" conveys a tone of exaggeration and emphasis. It's often used to paint a vivid picture of a place or situation that is overflowing with people or things.
Can “Burst at the seams” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "burst at the seams" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that vividly describes a situation or place that is extremely full or overcrowded. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The theater was "bursting at the seams" with enthusiastic audience members.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'The party was "bursting at the seams"!' to imply that it was very crowded.
