in a stew

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 attributed to the literal sense of garments or fabrics unraveling along the seams. When the sewing or stitching holding the seams together fails, the fabric starts to separate, causing the item to come apart. This literal usage of the phrase has been in existence since at least the 19th century. This expression is frequently used in discussions about the deterioration of relationships, the unraveling of carefully constructed plans, or the collapse of structures or systems that were once thought to be stable.