stitch-up

[ stich-uhp ]

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.

stitch up

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

noun

1. slang.
   a matter that has been prearranged clandestinely

Word History and Origins

Origin of stitch-up¹

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

Example Sentences

The decision was seen as a Republican stitch up because O'Connor was reported to have been upset at the prospect of a Gore win on election night.

From BBC

And one insider describing his claim that what has happened has "all the hallmarks of a politically motivated stitch up" as "Trumpian".

From BBC

Britain's Boris Johnson has been referred to police over further potential breaches of lockdown rules during the COVID-19 pandemic, a charge the former prime minister's office portrayed as "yet another politically motivated stitch up".

From Reuters

Britain's Boris Johnson has been referred to police over further potential breaches of lockdown rules during the COVID-19 pandemic, a charge the former prime minister's office portrayed as "yet another politically motivated stitch up".

From Reuters

Britain's Boris Johnson has been referred to police over further potential breaches of lockdown rules during the COVID-19 pandemic, a charge the former prime minister's office portrayed as "yet another politically motivated stitch up".

From Reuters