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to burst at the seams
01
to be occupied by a large number of things
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "burst at the seams" and when to use it?
The idiom "burst at the seams" originates from the literal act of something becoming so full or overstuffed that it exceeds its capacity and begins to rupture or burst open at the seams. The phrase is used to emphasize the idea of something being excessively full, strained, or overwhelmed, to the point where it can no longer contain or handle its contents.
Examples
The suitcase was packed so tightly that it was bursting at the seams, barely able to close.
The theater was filled to capacity, with the audience spilling into the aisles, making it seem like the place was bursting at the seams.
