In stitches

Meaning

The idiom "in stitches" means to be very happy, pleased or delighted with something. It can also mean being utterly amused by a situation or someone's behavior.

Usage

• After watching the stand-up routine, the whole audience was in stitches.
• When she found out about the prank, Sarah couldn't stop laughing and was in stitches for hours.
• The comedian had everyone in stitches with his jokes.
• The children were in stitches watching their favorite cartoon show.
• The group of friends were in stitches at the expense of their clumsy friend.

Roots and History

The idiom "in stitches" has been around for centuries, but its exact origin is unclear. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of sewing a person up with thread after a medical procedure or injury. The idea being that the person would be in pain and therefore amused by the situation. Another theory suggests that it may come from the fact that people often laugh so hard they feel like their stomachs are sewn up.

Synonyms in English

• Amused;
• Hilarious;
• In hysterics;
• Laughing fit;
• Rolling on the floor.

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - en pie de santo (literally "in saint's feet", meaning extremely amused);
• French - doué d'humour (meaning having a good sense of humor);
• German - schwarzen Humor (meaning having a dark and black sense of humor).

Similar Idioms

• wear heart on sleeve

• in the red

• cast aspersions