Showing results for to pieces. Search instead for to pace.

to pieces

Idioms

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.

The Italian word “notturno,” Ms. Tomes acknowledges, had been applied to pieces of music from the 18th century, but these were usually “festive and extrovert.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

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

"An essential part of the economy has fallen to pieces," she said.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

On hearing my voice, the big monkey went all to pieces.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls

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