fray at the edges
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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.
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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
fray at the edges
orfray 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
ˌfray at/around the ˈedges/ˈseams
start to come apart or to fail: Support for the leader was fraying at the edges.If cloth frays, the threads in it start to come apart.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017