fall apart

verb

1. to break owing to long use or poor construction

   the chassis is falling apart

2. to become disorganized and ineffective

   since you resigned, the office has fallen apart

Idioms and Phrases

Collapse, break down, either physically or mentally and emotionally. For example, This chair is about to fall apart , or After his wife died, he fell apart . For synonyms for the latter usage, see come apart at the seams ; go to pieces .

Example Sentences

When asked about the file he had called "my naked daughter", he addressed her across the room: "I have watched her fall apart... Caroline, I never touched you."

From BBC

Cease-fire talks have all but fallen apart, and U.S. officials acknowledge none are taking place now, while Qatar, a key mediator, has withdrawn from the process.

From Los Angeles Times

Germany’s coalition government fell apart earlier this month, and a general election is now set for 23 February, with a confidence vote before that on 16 December.

From BBC

Mrs Pritchard previously told BBC News she decided to work long after many peers had put their feet up because she had "seen so many people retire and fall apart".

From BBC

“When the big studios fall apart, the people that are still making games — if they want to keep making games — want to be a part of this community,” Barish says.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• break down
• collapse
• crumble