in tatters

Fig. in torn pieces of cloth. The poor man's clothes hung in tatters. The flag was in tatters after the storm.

damaged beyond repair They argued and fought for years, and their relationship is now in tatters.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of clothing in tatters ( torn in small pieces)

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Harland	HAHR-lənd	English
Petteri	PET-te-ree	Finnish
MatthÄUs	-	German
Dagnija	-	Latvian
Duff	DUF	Scottish
Magdolna	-	Hungarian