Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for to pieces. Search instead for buy pieces.

to pieces

Idioms  

  1. Into fragments, disorganized, or confused, as in I tore his argument to pieces. This metaphoric term has been so used since about 1600. Also see go to pieces; pick apart (to pieces); thrill to pieces.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Protesters pulled down a large flag of the Islamic Republic and tore it to pieces.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

"That's why we're taking these bold measures to smash their model to pieces and make sure more fans can enjoy their favourite stars at a fair price."

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

Maike Schoeneberg, a 33-year-old Berliner, said that "all the clubs that I knew when I came of age are closing. The club culture in Berlin seems like it's going to pieces."

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

Ibrahima Konate looks shot to pieces and has been all over the place in the last two games.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2025

An idea that just about tore our family to pieces.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.