Question

Come Apart at the Seams to become so upset that all self-control is gone

Accepted Answer

When Miriam found out that she wasn't going back to camp this summer, she came apart at the seams. A person doesn't actually have seams, of course, but think of a piece of clothing under great strain. Imagine a person trying to squeeze into a suit that was smaller than his or her size. The garment might come apart at the seams and rip open. Similarly, a nervous person under stress, could "come apart at the seams," or fall apart and break down.

Idiom	Come Apart at the Seams
Example	When Miriam found out that she wasn't going back to camp this summer, she came apart at the seams.
Meaning	to become so upset that all self-control is gone
Origin	A person doesn't actually have seams, of course, but think of a piece of clothing under great strain. Imagine a person trying to squeeze into a suit that was smaller than his or her size. The garment might come apart at the seams and rip open. Similarly, a nervous person under stress, could "come apart at the seams," or fall apart and break down.

Person Seams Miriam Found Back Camp Summer Upset