stitch-up

American  

[stich-uhp] / ˈstɪtʃˌʌp /

noun

British Informal.

1. a scheme of deception that exploits or falsely incriminates someone, possibly leading to a false arrest; a setup.

   These allegations against the mayor are part of an outrageous stitch-up.

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stitch up British  

verb

1. to join or mend by means of stitches or sutures

2. slang

   1. to incriminate (someone) on a false charge by manufacturing evidence

   2. to betray, cheat, or defraud

3. slang to prearrange (something) in a clandestine manner

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noun

1. slang a matter that has been prearranged clandestinely

Etymology

Origin of stitch-up

First recorded in 1980–85; stitch ( def. ) + up ( def. )

Example Sentences

Five years of anguished legal battles came down to a difficult disagreement - but not one that the courts could find amounted to a "stitch-up".

From BBC

Buckingham Palace responded to the interview - which included the prince's claim that his court defeat was an "establishment stitch-up" - by saying the issues had been repeatedly examined by the courts which had reached the same conclusion each time.

From BBC

One is a notorious stitch-up - or "screwjob", in wrestling terms - involving legendary wrestler Bret "The Hitman" Hart.

From BBC

"We're convinced it was going to be a stitch-up", remembers Test Match Special's Jonathan Agnew, who had joined the touring party in Calcutta after Paul Allott had to return home with a back injury.

From BBC

Words and phrases being spoken privately are "stitch-up", "behaviour that undermines the election", and "people are furious".

From BBC