fall apart

British  

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

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fall apart Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

Within weeks, the prosecutor’s marquee case would quietly fall apart.

From Salon • Apr. 15, 2026

But geopolitical strategists are keeping an eye on movement in the Middle East and in Washington, D.C., that could suggest this fragile truce could fall apart.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

They added these extraordinary efforts to hide his identity began to fall apart in September 2000, after he was charged with defacing a billboard in New York.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Paramount would additionally be on the hook for the $2.8 billion breakup fee Warner would owe Netflix should that deal fall apart.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

They only ever last an hour or two before they wilt and fall apart.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

Related Words

• break down
• collapse
• crumble