in stitches

Idioms  

1. Laughing uncontrollably, as in Joke after joke had me in stitches. Although the precise idiom dates only from about 1930, Shakespeare had a similar expression in Twelfth Night (3:2): “If you desire the spleen, and will laugh yourselves into stitches, follow me.” Stitches here refers to the sharp local pain (known as a stitch in the side) that can make one double over, much as a fit of laughter can.

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Example Sentences

Then we're the ones who miss out when we don't wait, because Phoebe was the one who had everybody in stitches every day.

From Salon • Nov. 22, 2024

Barkley and O’Neal were in stitches over a report that Paul and other members of the Rockets tried to force their way into the Clippers’ locker room after the game for a confrontation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2024

For a show that has its audience in stitches, “Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha” is not without solemnity.

From New York Times • May 21, 2024

BBC Breakfast host Sally Nugent is left in stitches after spotting Jon Kay's doppleganger next to King Charles at a banquet in Paris.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2023

Fortunately, both John and Beck were wickedly funny and had the group in stitches.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer