Crossword Genius

Laughing one’s head off bothering this insect (2,8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in stitches

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'laughing one's head off' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'bothering this insect' is the wordplay.
'bothering' indicates an anagram.
'this'+'insect'='thisinsect'
'thisinsect' anagrammed gives 'IN STITCHES'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for in stitches that I've seen before include "extremely amused" , "Laughing uncontrollably" , "After an operation" , "as one may be on leaving the theatre?" , "Helpless with laughter" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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