student asking question

What does "at the seams" mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

To "come apart at the seams/fall apart at the seams" is an idiomatic expression meaning that something is about to break into parts or pieces - describing someone or something that is in terrible condition. In this video, it has been used to describe the poor condition of other industries, which seem like they will collapse. Ex: Mary has not slept in days. She looks like she will come apart at the seams. Ex: The company has not many any profit in months. It seems as if it will fall apart at the seams.

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