at the seams

phrase

: entirely, completely

falling apart at the seams

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of at the seams was in 1959

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Style

“At the seams.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20the%20seams. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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at the seams

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