Fray at/around the edges/seams

usgb
verb

To wear out, deteriorate, or unravel, especially slowly or over time.

After years of heavy use, my favorite jeans started to fray at the seams.
Visual representation of "fray at/around the edges/seams" - To wear out, deteriorate, or unravel, especially slowly or over time.

Often appears as...

  • clothing is starting to fray at the edges
  • material may fray at the seams

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "fray at/around the edges/seams"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Physical Wear

Describes slow damage to physical objects, suggesting a history of use or age.

Illustration for Physical Wear
The old flag had begun to fray at the edges from years exposed to the wind.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphoric Usage

Often used metaphorically for non-physical things showing signs of strain or failure.

Illustration for Metaphoric Usage
The peace talks seemed to fray at the seams with every passing hour.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Severity Indicator

Implies a problem isn't immediate but suggests it could worsen without intervention.

Illustration for Severity Indicator
The community's trust in the police was beginning to fray around the edges.
Visual representation of the word "Fray at/around the edges/seams"

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