The phrase "burst at seams" is an idiomatic expression that describes a situation or object that is undergoing extreme pressure or strain and is at the brink of breaking or failing. It often portrays a sense of being overwhelmed, overwhelmed, or the inability to contain or control something due to an excessive amount of pressure or expansion.
Literally, the term refers to the splitting or tearing of the seams in a garment or object, when the material cannot withstand the internal pressure, causing it to burst open. Metaphorically, it implies a state where something is reaching its maximum capacity, beyond which it cannot function or hold its contents any longer.
When applied to situations or individuals, "bursting at seams" means being overwhelmed or burdened with an excessive amount of workload, responsibilities, or emotions to the point of being unable to cope adequately. It signifies a situation where the individual feels overloaded or stretched beyond their limits.
Similarly, this expression can also describe a situation where a system, organization, or structure is struggling to handle the increased demand, exceeding its capacity to function appropriately. It indicates a state of imbalance or insufficiency, often resulting in chaos, disorder, or failure.
Overall, "burst at seams" is a vivid phrase that conveys a sense of being overwhelmed, overstretched, or on the verge of breaking due to an excessive amount of pressure or expansion. It is a metaphorical representation of a situation where one's limits or the capacity of a system are being exceeded to an extreme extent.
