stitch up

USAGE SUMMARY

"stitch up" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrasal verb that means to close a wound or to repair a tear or rip in material or clothing, usually with a needle and thread. It can also mean to repair or mend a strained or fractured relationship. For example: My shirt had ripped, so I had to stitch it up with needle and thread. After the argument, we needed to stitch up our relationship.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"I smell a stitch up!" That's racist.

The Guardian - Sport

(The ghost of the phrase "stitch up" hangs suggestively too).

The Guardian - Books

They stitch up a business deal or two while practising their golf swing.

The Economist

You can stitch up to three shots together.

TechCrunch

Then you stitch up the skin in the front.

Huffington Post

"I had him stitch up my sketch and it worked.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

A possible stitch-up.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a stitch-up.

The Guardian - Sport

This was a stitch-up.

The Guardian

What was the stitch-up?

The Guardian - Opinion

They are a blatant union stitch-up.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For medical or crafting context, specify the item being stitched to enhance understanding, such as "stitch up the wound" or "stitch up the seam".

Common error

Avoid using "stitch up" in contexts where the intent is ambiguous. If referring to a medical procedure, using more precise terminology like "suture" might be more appropriate to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "stitch up" primarily functions as a verb, capable of taking a direct object. It signifies either the literal act of sewing something closed or the figurative act of deceiving or framing someone, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "stitch up" is a versatile term with both literal and figurative applications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can refer to the act of sewing something closed or, more figuratively, to framing or deceiving someone. Its usage is quite common, especially in news and media, but generally informal. When using the phrase, consider its dual meanings and adjust your language accordingly to avoid confusion. While suitable for many contexts, a more formal term might be preferred in academic or professional settings. "Stitch up" is a common phrase that is very useful in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fabricate evidence

Highlights the creation of false proof or information to make someone appear guilty.

set someone up

Similar to "frame", but slightly less formal and intense in its implication of wrongdoing.

frame someone

Emphasizes the act of falsely incriminating someone, excluding the literal sewing context.

falsely accuse

Specifically indicates the act of making untrue accusations against someone.

sew together

Focuses solely on the literal act of sewing, omitting any figurative meaning.

incriminate

Focuses on providing evidence or suggesting involvement in a crime or wrongdoing.

close with stitches

Specifically highlights the method of closure, using stitches, and is primarily literal.

deceive

Focuses on the act of misleading or tricking someone, a broader term than "stitch up".

dupe

Implies trickery and deception, often for personal gain, less common than "deceive".

mend with thread

Highlights the process of repairing something using thread, applicable only in literal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "stitch up" in a sentence?

You can use "stitch up" to describe the act of closing a wound with stitches, such as "The doctor had to "stitch up" the cut on his arm". Figuratively, it means to frame someone, such as "He claimed he was "stitched up" by his enemies".

What does "stitch up" mean in a political context?

In politics, "stitch up" typically refers to a behind-the-scenes deal or agreement that is perceived as unfair or manipulative. It suggests that someone has been unfairly disadvantaged or deceived.

What can I say instead of "stitch up" when referring to framing someone?

You can use alternatives like "frame", "set up", or "falsely accuse depending on the context".

Is "stitch up" a formal or informal expression?

"Stitch up" is generally considered an informal expression. More formal alternatives might include "suture" (for medical contexts) or "conspire" (for figurative contexts).