unseam

unseam

The tailor unseams the old trousers to reuse the fabric.

Definition
  1. Verb:
    • To undo or open the seam of: "unseam" means to separate the stitched edges of a garment, fabric, or other sewn item, effectively opening or dismantling the seam.
Usage Examples
  • Verb:
    • She carefully unseamed the dress to adjust the fit. (She opened the stitched seam to make alterations.)
    • The tailor unseamed the trousers to shorten them. (The tailor separated the seam to change the length.)
    • He unseamed the bag to inspect the interior lining. (He opened the sewn closure to examine inside.)
Advanced Usage

  • "To unseam a garment": to deliberately open the stitching of clothing for repair, alteration, or reuse of fabric.

    • The costumer unseamed the period costume to replace the worn lining. (She opened the seams for restoration.)

  • Figurative use: "unseam" can metaphorically mean to separate or break apart something that is tightly joined.

    • The scandal unseamed the alliance between the two companies. (The scandal disrupted the close connection.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Seam (n): the line where two pieces of fabric are joined by stitching.

    • The seam of the shirt was torn. (The stitched join was damaged.)

  • Seamless (adj): without seams; smooth and continuous.

    • The transition between scenes was seamless. (There was no obvious join.)

  • Unseamed (adj): having the seam opened or separated.

    • The unseamed fabric lay flat on the table. (The fabric was no longer joined by stitches.)
Synonyms
  • Undo: to open or unfasten something that is sewn or closed.
  • Unstitch: to remove stitches from fabric.
  • Separate: to divide or disconnect the sewn parts.
Antonyms
  • Sew: to join or attach fabric using stitches.
  • Seam: to join two pieces of fabric by stitching.
  • Stitch: to make or repair a seam.
Related Idioms

  • Come apart at the seams: to fail or break down completely.

    • Their plan came apart at the seams when the funding was cut. (The plan fell apart entirely.)

  • Burst at the seams: to be very full or overcrowded.

    • The stadium was bursting at the seams with fans. (It was extremely crowded.)
Phrasal Verbs
  • Unseam from: to remove by opening the seam.
    • She unseamed the sleeve from the jacket. (She separated the sleeve by opening its seam.)