stitch up
The phrase "stitch up" has diverse meanings ranging from sewing to deceitful schemes, commonly used in British and Australian English.
Definition
B2Sewing
(literal)To join or close something using a needle and thread.
Example
- The tailor had to stitch up the tear in the dress.
- The surgeon stitched up the wound after the operation.
C1Legal
(informal, British, Australian)To falsely incriminate someone through deceitful actions.
Example
- They tried to stitch him up with false evidence.
- She felt she had been stitched up by her colleagues.
B2General
(informal, British)To arrange or manipulate a situation to ensure a particular outcome, often unfairly.
Example
- The deal was stitched up long before we arrived.
- They stitched up the agreement in just a few hours.
B2General
(slang, Australian)To prank, trick, or deceive someone, with or without malice.
Example
- They stitched him up by hiding his car keys.
- I can't believe you stitched me up like that!
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "stitch up":
sew upsewn upsewed upextra stitchpatch uppatching upwhip stitchbutterfly stitchpick up stitchesfix upseed stitchstuff updo upstew uptie upbind upblanket stitchtuck upknit togethercure upcuff upstring upcook upbotched upchain stitch