Word: stitch up Part of Speech: verb 1. To join or close by sewing. Example: To make Capons […] [S]ome for this Purpoſe make it their Buſineſs after Harveſt-time to go to Markets for buying up Chickens, and between Michaelmas and All-hollantide caponize the Cocks, when they have got large enough to have Stones [i.e., testes] of ſuch a Bigneſs that they may be pulled out; for if they are too little, it can't be done; […] [M]aking a Cut here big enough to put her Finger in, which ſhe thruſts under the Guts, and with it rakes or tears out the Stone that lies neareſt to it. This done, ſhe performs the very ſame Operation on the other Side of the Cock's Body, and there takes out the other Stone; then ſhe ſtitches up the Wounds, and lets the Fowl go about as at other Times, till the Capon is fatted in a Coup, which is commonly done from Chriſtmas to Candlemas, and after. Example: My second poem is a metrical advertisement of all Lord Byron's works; and for drawing it up, Mr Murray ought, I am sure, to be grateful to me, for it will save him I know not what in paper and printing, as there is little doubt of its being got by heart by all those for whom he stitches up his announcements. 2. To fabricate (e.g. a legal case). Example: “They warn me that I should not go to far and threaten to stitch up a case against me if I do.”, he said Example: […] Netanyahu said police and prosecutors had conspired to “stitch up” a case against him […] 3. To maliciously or dishonestly incriminate someone; to set up (in the sense trap or ensnare) Labels: Australia, UK, slang Example: […] everyone knew the score, that he was being conned, used by business interests, the sort of scum we hated. It wasn't meant in a bad way, though, just that we could see he was being stitched up. Example: You might think policing in the 1970s was different to policing today. […] However, some things haven't changed all that much particularly if you were 18 at the time as my correspondent, who we'll call Geoff, found. The sad fact is that you never forget being stitched-up and the experience can affect your negative judgment of and attitude to the police for the rest of your life. 4. To prank, trick, or deceive (a person), whether or not malice is intended. Labels: Australia, slang Example: Before coming on this trip I decided to brush up on my Italian, so I learnt one phrase: "Voglio andare veloce", which translates into "I want to go fast". I test it out on Matteo, undoubtedly butchering it with my Australian accent. He throws his head back and laughs a deep, booming, operatic laugh. For a moment, I think my friend who taught me the phrase has stitched me up and I’ve just said something very crass. 5. To complete arrangements for (a situation), especially clandestinely or prematurely and for one's own benefit. Labels: Australia, slang Example: The strident deregulatory and anti-union policies of the Coalition have aided the Labor Government. Once a new variation of the Accord has been stitched up the Accord partners have expected that it would be endorsed by the commission. Example: So, by the time these enormous corporate manoeuvres had been stitched up, the Firm controlled, or had an interest in, over a hundred cinemas across Australia.