In tatters
phrase
In a very damaged condition.
After the hurricane, the city was left in tatters.
Often appears as...
- the building is in tatters
- her reputation is in tatters
phrase
Upset and in despair.
After the break up, she was in tatters.
Often appears as...
- he was left in tatters
- her heart was in tatters
phrase
In a very damaged condition.
After the hurricane, the city was left in tatters.
Often appears as...
- the building is in tatters
- her reputation is in tatters
phrase
Upset and in despair.
After the break up, she was in tatters.
Often appears as...
- he was left in tatters
- her heart was in tatters
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Damage
Use 'in tatters' to describe something physically ruined or torn apart.
The earthquake left the roads in tatters.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Use 'in tatters' metaphorically to describe situations beyond repair.
The scandal left the company's image in tatters.
Pro Tip 3/3Abstract Concepts
Applies to intangible things, like plans or relationships, that can't literally be torn.
Their plans for vacation were in tatters after the flight cancellations.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Damage
Use 'in tatters' to describe something physically ruined or torn apart.
The earthquake left the roads in tatters.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Use 'in tatters' metaphorically to describe situations beyond repair.
The scandal left the company's image in tatters.
Pro Tip 3/3Abstract Concepts
Applies to intangible things, like plans or relationships, that can't literally be torn.
Their plans for vacation were in tatters after the flight cancellations.
Pro Tip 1/3Physical Damage
Use 'in tatters' to describe something physically ruined or torn apart.
The earthquake left the roads in tatters.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Use 'in tatters' metaphorically to describe situations beyond repair.
The scandal left the company's image in tatters.
Pro Tip 3/3Abstract Concepts
Applies to intangible things, like plans or relationships, that can't literally be torn.
Their plans for vacation were in tatters after the flight cancellations.
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