to pieces

Into many separate parts, usually because something breaks or is torn.

• The plate broke to pieces.
• She tore the old letter to pieces.
• The explosion blew the wooden fence to pieces.

How to use it: tear something to pieces (The puppy tore my notes to pieces.)

Similar words: to bits, into fragments

Common phrases: break to pieces, tear something to pieces, smash to pieces

Into a state of being so upset that you cannot think or behave calmly.

• She went to pieces after the call.
• I fell to pieces when I heard the news.
• He usually stays calm, but yesterday he went to pieces.

Similar words: into a breakdown

Common phrases: go to pieces, fall to pieces

Very much or completely, especially when describing love or strong feelings.

• I love you to pieces.
• She loves her little dog to pieces.
• The sudden bang scared me to pieces.

Similar words: very much, completely

Common phrases: love someone to pieces, scared to pieces, thrilled to pieces

Used when an action is directed towards separate parts or individual works, such as music.

• She attached labels to pieces of cloth.
• We listened to pieces by young composers.
• Apply glue to pieces individually before joining them.

Common phrases: to pieces of, to pieces individually

Into a state where things no longer work properly or remain under control.

• Our plans went to pieces.
• Without a manager, the business fell to pieces.
• Everything goes to pieces when the system fails.

Similar words: to ruin, into chaos

Common phrases: go to pieces, fall to pieces