come / fall apart at the seams

What is the origin of the idiom "come apart at the seams" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "come apart at the seams" can be traced back to the literal sense of garments or fabrics unraveling at the seams. When the stitching holding the seams together fails, the fabric begins to separate or fall apart. This literal usage of the phrase has been in existence since at least the 19th century. This expression is commonly used in discussions about the deterioration of relationships, unraveling of carefully constructed plans, or the collapse of structures or systems that were once thought to be stable.