burst at the seams—
1. be full to overflowing; be crammed with people or things:
- The little hall was practically bursting at the seams.
2. be unable to contain one’s pride, uncontrolled laughter, etc.:
- We laughed so hard we just about burst at the seams.
come apart at the seams —(also: fall apart at the seams)
1. fall into pieces; disintegrate:
- The old car is about ready to come apart at the seams; its muffler is dragging and the windows don’t close.
2. be in a very bad state; be about to fail:
- Oliver and Jane began showing serious signs of stress; their relationship was coming apart at the seams.
3. lose one’s composure because of a severe mental strain; collapse emotionally:
- Poor old Smith isn’t the man he used to be; he’s coming apart at the seams.