The phrase "came apart at the seams" refers to a situation or object that has completely fallen apart or disintegrated, often due to excessive stress, strain, or pressure. When something, be it physical or metaphorical, falls apart at the seams, it indicates a complete breakdown or failure.
The phrase is derived from the literal sense of a seam, which refers to a line where two pieces of fabric are joined together. In the context of this expression, it implies that the integrity of the seams has weakened or unraveled, leading to a complete disintegration of the structure.
Metaphorically, "came apart at the seams" is often employed to describe a person's emotional, mental, or physical collapse due to overwhelming circumstances or stress. It can also describe the disintegration of a relationship, organization, or plan that was meant to hold together but crumbled due to internal or external factors.
The phrase can be used to emphasize the extreme nature of a situation, highlighting the extent to which it has disintegrated or failed catastrophically. It conveys a sense of chaos and disarray, where all aspects of something have unraveled and fallen apart, leaving behind a complete mess.
In conclusion, "came apart at the seams" signifies the complete breakdown or disintegration of a situation, object, or individual due to excessive strain or pressure.
