🧵 Bursting at the seams
Concrete Meaning
To be completely full or overflowing, to the point where the container or structure cannot hold any more.
💬 Context & Examples
Use this to describe places (like rooms or cities) or systems that are overpopulated, overbooked, or holding more than their maximum capacity.
- "The company has grown so fast that our current office space is bursting at the seams."
- "Her schedule is bursting at the seams; she doesn't have time for a single extra meeting."
🧠 Pattern Challenge
Test Yourself
What is a "seam" in physical clothing, and what happens when it bursts?
Show Answer
A seam is the line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together. If it bursts, the thread breaks because the object inside is too large, causing the garment to split open.