fray around the edges
1. Literally, to become worn along the edges, as of fabric. I think it's time for us to get a new blanket—this one is all frayed around the edges. We seriously need some new bath towels. These ones are frayed around the edges after years of use. This throw pillow was my grandmother's, which is why it's frayed around the edges these days.
2. To become less successful or harmonious. Our roommate relationship is starting to fray around the edges now that Pat has begun leaving his stuff, including dirty dishes, all over the apartment. A: "I'm worried those two are going to break up." B: "Me too. Do you think their relationship just frayed around the edges over time?" I thought the merger was a done deal! What caused the agreement to fray around the edges?
fray at the edges
1. Literally, to become worn along the edges, as of fabric. I think it's time for us to get a new blanket—this one has frayed at the edges. We seriously need some new bath towels. These ones are frayed at the edges after years of use. This throw pillow was my grandmother's, that's why it's frayed at the edges these days.
2. To become less successful or harmonious. Our roommate relationship is starting to fray at the edges now that Pat has begun leaving his stuff, including dirty dishes, all over the apartment. A: "I'm worried those two are going to break up." B: "Me too. Do you think their relationship just frayed at the edges over time?" I thought the merger was a done deal! What made the agreement fray at the edges?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
fray at the edges
or fray around the edges
If something or someone frays at the edges or frays around the edges, they gradually become weaker or less successful. The government's army has begun to fray at the edges. By this time, their partnership had begun to fray around the edges. Note: You can also talk about something being frayed at the edges or frayed around the edges. At 72, his voice is sometimes a little frayed around the edges, but that just adds to its charm. Note: If a piece of cloth or rope frays, its threads or fibres start to come apart.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012