go to pieces

go to pieces

1. Lit. [for something] to fall apart into many pieces. •

The vase—which had been repaired many times—just went to pieces when I put it down.

•

When the window was hit by the ball, it went to pieces.

2. Fig. [for something] to become nonfunctional. •

His plan went to pieces.

•

All her hopes and ideas went to pieces in that one meeting.

3. Fig. [for someone] to have a mental collapse. •

Poor Jane went to pieces after her divorce.

•

Fred went to pieces during the trial.

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{v. phr.} To become very nervous or sick from nervousness; become wild. * /Mrs. Vance went to pieces when she heard her daughter was in the hospital./ * /The man went to pieces when the judge said he would have to go to prison for life./ * /Mary goes to pieces when she can't have her own way./