Be bursting/bulging at the seams

usgb
phrase

Being very full or crowded.

This restaurant is very popular, it's always bursting at the seams with customers.
Visual representation of "be bursting/bulging at the seams" - Being very full or crowded

Often appears as...

  • bursting at the seams with people
  • bursting at the seams with ideas

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "be bursting/bulging at the seams"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Crowding

Use it to describe places so packed it's hard to move.

Illustration for Physical Crowding
The train was bursting at the seams during rush hour.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Beyond Capacity

Suggests a situation exceeding normal limits, possibly to an extreme.

Illustration for Beyond Capacity
The shelter was bursting at the seams after the storm.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

An exaggerated expression, not to be taken for a literal tearing.

Illustration for Not Literal
With new staff, our office is bursting at the seams.
Visual representation of the word "Be bursting/bulging at the seams"

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