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

See Examples For:

in stitches

A popular Turkish comedian went on trial on Monday for allegedly insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other offences during a stand-up performance, offering a quick-witted defence that had much of the courtroom in stitches.

From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026

The family’s legislative contributions run broad and deep, with programs and initiatives that have woven themselves into the fabric of our national life in stitches both large and small.

From Salon ● Jan. 4, 2026

"Jon was an interesting and thoughtful person, he had some stunning dramatic performances on stage and on screen and the country is still in stitches from the magic that was D'Unbelievables."

From BBC ● Nov. 16, 2024

Stritch had the audience in stitches, putting on a performance en route to her acceptance speech and on the stage itself.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 20, 2024

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

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

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