Used to show that someone is experiencing a lot of emotional stress, like worry or fear.

Emotional Stress

The phrase stems from the idea of being stretched painfully on a medieval torture device, the rack.

Physical metaphor

It's an informal phrase, more appropriate in casual conversations, not formal situations.

Highlights the intensity and pressure of being interrogated, as if under torture.

It doesn't mean actual physical torment, but the mental pressure from questioning.

When relating to interrogation, it's not used in a legal sense or describing real torture.

Used when talking about shopping, especially for clothes, accessories, or consumer products.

Shows that items are physically out in the store, ready for people to buy.

Indicates that the phrase usually refers to in-store shopping, not items online.