The phrase “be bursting at the seams” is a common idiom used in English language to describe a situation where something is so full or crowded that it is about to burst or overflow. This phrase is often used to describe a physical space, but it can also be used to describe a situation or a person who is overwhelmed with emotions or feelings.
Definitions
To be bursting at the seams means to be filled to capacity, to be extremely crowded, or to be overflowing with something. This phrase is often used to describe a situation where there is too much of something in a particular space, such as a room or a container.
Origin
The origin of the idiom “be bursting at the seams” is not clear. However, it is believed to have originated from the idea of a container or a piece of clothing that is so full that the seams are about to burst. The phrase has been in use since the 19th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “be bursting at the seams” means to be full to the point of overflowing or bursting. Merriam-Webster defines the phrase as being completely filled or overcrowded.
Associations
The phrase “be bursting at the seams” is often associated with a feeling of being overwhelmed or overworked. It can also be associated with a sense of excitement or anticipation, as in the case of a crowded event or a busy marketplace.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of “be bursting at the seams” include overflowing, packed, crammed, jam-packed, and teeming.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of “be bursting at the seams” include empty, spacious, roomy, and vacant.
The same root words
The phrase “be bursting at the seams” does not have any specific root words, but it is related to the idea of something being full or overflowing.
Example Sentences
- The theater was bursting at the seams with people eager to see the new play.
- The suitcase was so full that it was bursting at the seams.
- She was bursting at the seams with excitement about her upcoming trip.
- The restaurant was so crowded that it was bursting at the seams with people.
The phrase “be bursting at the seams” is a common idiom used to describe a situation where something is full to capacity or overflowing. It can be used to describe a physical space, a situation, or a person who is overwhelmed with emotions or feelings. The phrase has been in use since the 19th century and continues to be a popular expression in the English language.