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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

"But others came out looking as if a child had simply torn them to pieces."

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

"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

We soon graduated to pieces of paper that were rolled up and chewed until they were sticky with spit, then shot out of a pen like cannonballs.

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge

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