stitch up

To close a hole or join pieces of material using a needle and thread.

• Can you stitch up this hole?
• The nurse stitched up the cut on his arm.
• I stitched the torn pocket up before leaving.

How to use it: stitch something up (The doctor stitched the cut up.)

Similar words: sew up

Common phrases: stitch something up, stitch up something

To make someone appear guilty of something they did not do, using dishonest methods.

• Someone stitched him up.
• She claimed the police had stitched her up with false evidence.
• Did they stitch you up for stealing the money?

How to use it: stitch someone up for something (They stitched him up for a crime he did not commit.)

Similar words: frame, set up

Common phrases: stitch someone up, stitch up someone

To trick someone, sometimes as a joke and sometimes to harm them.

• My brother stitched me up.
• They stitched her up by sending her to the wrong address.
• Are you trying to stitch me up with this story?

How to use it: stitch someone up (My friends stitched me up with a fake party invitation.)

Similar words: trick, fool, deceive

Common phrases: stitch someone up, stitch up someone

To arrange something, often secretly or unfairly, so that it benefits you or is decided before others can object.

• They stitched up the deal in private.
• The committee had stitched up the result before members voted.
• Who helped stitch up that contract for the mayor’s friend?

How to use it: stitch something up (The leaders stitched the agreement up before the meeting.)

Similar words: fix, rig, arrange

Common phrases: stitch up a deal, stitch something up

To invent a false story or legal case, often to get someone into trouble.

• They stitched up a false case.
• The officers stitched up evidence against her.
• Who helped stitch up the story used in court?

How to use it: stitch up something against someone (They stitched up a case against an innocent man.)

Similar words: fabricate, invent, concoct

Common phrases: stitch up a case, stitch something up