Come unstuck

[kittylitter7]

Where does the phrase 'come unstuck' derive from? And why does it mean the opposite of how it sounds (surely if you come 'unstuck' then you're not stuck anymore)?

[Quizmonster]

The 'unstuck' element here is based on the idea that to be 'stuck together', as it were, means to be 'done up/fastened/in control' etc. Consequently, to 'come unstuck' means to fall to pieces or become disintegrated...ie come to grief or fail.

[kittylitter7]

Thank you Quizmonster!!