Busting at the seams
Meaning
To be extremely full, overflowing, or overcrowded, often to the point of discomfort or impending failure.
Origin
The phrase "busting at the seams" conjures the vivid image of an item of clothing or a bag so overstuffed that its stitching is under immense strain, on the verge of tearing apart. This literal scenario, common in daily life with overflowing suitcases or overladen sacks, became a powerful and widely understood metaphor for any situation where capacity is exceeded. By the early 20th century, this evocative phrase had solidified in the English lexicon, painting a clear picture of bursting limits, whether physical space or metaphorical endurance.
Examples
- The old warehouse was busting at the seams with holiday inventory, making it difficult to navigate.
- After a series of new enrollments, the elementary school is busting at the seams and desperately needs more classrooms.