fall to pieces

idiom

The phrase "fall to pieces" is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe physical disintegration, loss of order, or emotional breakdown.

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Definition

B2General

(literal)To break into parts or fragments.

Example

The ancient book fell to pieces when I picked it up.

B2General

(figurative)To become disorganized or ineffective.

Example

The project fell to pieces after the team leader left.

B2Emotional

(figurative)To experience emotional or mental collapse.

Example

She fell to pieces when she heard the tragic news.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "fall to pieces":

fall apart go to pieces fall together fall away fall out fall to fall down to pieces come apart fall through falling together come undone fall off fall into oneself fall into falling out fall over fall to the ground fall in fall on fall down on fall for fall from grace piece out fall back take the fall cut to pieces break apart in tatters fall up fade away take a tumble fall behind fall due fall off one's perch break down tear apart tear up piece together blow apart bite the dust