TO PIECES Meaning and
Definition
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To pieces, as an idiomatic expression, refers to the act or state of completely destroying or breaking something into small fragments or components. It is often used to imply an intense level of destruction or damage.
When something is said to be torn or shattered to pieces, it indicates that it has been completely annihilated or reduced to fragments. For example, if a glass vase falls from a table and shatters to pieces, it means that it has been utterly broken and is no longer in one cohesive form. Similarly, if a building is bombed to pieces, it suggests that it has been extensively destroyed, leaving only debris and ruins in its aftermath.
The phrase "to pieces" can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional or mental states. For instance, if someone is heartbroken to pieces, it signifies that their emotions are shattered and they are enduring significant pain or grief. Likewise, if a person is stressed or overworked to pieces, it suggests that they are feeling overwhelmed and possibly on the verge of breaking down.
In summary, "to pieces" denotes a condition where something or someone has been thoroughly broken or destroyed physically, emotionally, or mentally. It emphasizes a state of complete fragmentation or devastation.
Common Misspellings for TO PIECES
- topieces
- to piece
- ro pieces
- fo pieces
- go pieces
- yo pieces
- 6o pieces
- 5o pieces
- ti pieces
- tk pieces
- tl pieces
- tp pieces
- t0 pieces
- t9 pieces
- to oieces
- to lieces
- to -ieces
- to 0ieces
- to pueces
- to pjeces
- to pkeces
Etymology of TO PIECES
The phrase "to pieces" is a colloquial idiom that means completely, thoroughly, or intensively. Its etymology can be traced back to Middle English and Old English.
The word "to" comes from Old English "tō", which carries the meaning of "in the direction of" or "reaching as far as". It is often used to indicate movement or direction.
The term "pieces" has its roots in Middle English "pees" or "piece" meaning a part, unit, or a segment. This word can be traced back to Old French "piece" meaning a piece or fragment.
When combined, the phrase "to pieces" conveys the notion of breaking something into parts or fragments, emphasizing a complete or thorough destruction or dismemberment.
Idioms with the word TO PIECES
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thrill to pieces
The idiom "thrill to pieces" means to be extremely excited or thrilled about something. It implies a strong emotional response of joy, enthusiasm, or exhilaration that cannot be contained or measured.
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tear sm or sth to pieces
The idiom "tear someone or something to pieces" means to criticize, attack, or speak very harshly about someone or something without showing any mercy or restraint. It implies intense and destructive criticism that can potentially harm the person or thing being torn apart.
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take sth to pieces
The idiom "take something to pieces" means to dismantle, disassemble, or break down something into its smaller parts or components, often in order to understand it better, repair it, or analyze its workings.
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dash something to pieces
The idiom "dash something to pieces" means to completely destroy or shatter something into many small or unrecognizable pieces, typically through impact or forceful action. It implies a thorough and irreversible destruction or breaking apart of an object.
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dash to pieces
The idiom "dash to pieces" means to completely destroy or ruin something, typically as a result of an intense or forceful action. It implies the notion of breaking or shattering something into tiny fragments or bits.
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be thrilled to pieces
The idiom "be thrilled to pieces" means to be extremely excited, delighted, or overjoyed about something.
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fall to pieces
The idiom "fall to pieces" means to experience a rapid deterioration or breakdown, either physically or emotionally. It can refer to losing control, becoming extremely upset or distressed, or the literal disintegration or destruction of something.
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pull to pieces
The idiom "pull to pieces" means to criticize or analyze something or someone thoroughly and often harshly, focusing on the flaws or weaknesses. It refers to the act of dissecting or scrutinizing something in great detail, often resulting in a negative evaluation or critique.
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go/fall to pieces
The idiom "go/fall to pieces" means to become emotionally or physically unstable, overwhelmed, or unable to function properly. It is often used to describe someone who becomes distraught, loses control, or breaks down under stress, pressure, or difficult circumstances.
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thrill sm to pieces
The idiom "thrill someone to pieces" means to greatly excite or delight someone. It implies that the person is so overwhelmed with joy or excitement that it feels as if they are being fragmented or broken into pieces.
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that beats all to pieces
The idiom "that beats all to pieces" means that something is extremely surprising, impressive, or outstanding in comparison to everything else. It emphasizes the superiority or surpassing nature of a particular thing or situation.
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go to pieces
The idiom "go to pieces" means to become extremely upset, emotional, or unable to function effectively due to stress, fear, or nervousness. It suggests a loss of control or composure in a challenging situation.
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pick sm or sth to pieces
The idiom "pick sm or sth to pieces" means to closely examine or analyze something in great detail, often with a critical or disapproving attitude. It implies breaking down the subject matter into its smaller components, flaws, or weaknesses, and scrutinizing them thoroughly.
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pick to pieces
The idiom "pick to pieces" refers to the act of analyzing or criticizing something or someone meticulously and thoroughly, often looking for flaws, weaknesses, or errors. It involves a detailed examination with the intention of finding fault or exposing shortcomings.
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break (something) to pieces
The idiom "break (something) to pieces" means to cause something to shatter, crumble, or be completely destroyed into multiple small fragments. It suggests extreme damage or destruction where the original object is completely disintegrated or reduced to fragments.
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tear to pieces
The idiom "tear to pieces" typically means to critically or angrily attack and criticize someone or something, often causing significant damage or destroying it completely.
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pick/pull sb/sth to pieces
The idiom "pick/pull sb/sth to pieces" means to criticize or analyze something or someone in a very detailed and often harsh manner, often focusing on finding faults or flaws. It implies a thorough examination that intends to deconstruct or dismantle the subject of criticism.
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take to pieces
The idiom "take to pieces" means to dismantle or disassemble an object or concept into its individual components or parts. It can also figuratively refer to analyzing or scrutinizing something thoroughly and critically, breaking it down into its fundamental elements for better understanding or evaluation.
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dash sth to pieces
The idiom "dash something to pieces" means to completely destroy or ruin something. It suggests that the object or idea being referred to is broken into many small and irreparable fragments. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe both the physical and metaphorical destruction of something.
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come to pieces
The idiom "come to pieces" means to fall apart or disintegrate. It refers to something breaking or failing completely, often in a figurative sense.
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cut (someone) to pieces
The idiom "cut (someone) to pieces" refers to the act of severely criticizing or reproaching someone, usually in a harsh or damaging manner. It implies that the person's actions or words have been figuratively dissected or torn apart, leaving them emotionally or psychologically defeated.
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break to pieces
The idiom "break to pieces" means to completely destroy or shatter something, causing it to become fragmented or completely irrevocable. It is often used in a figurative sense to indicate the complete destruction or ruin of a relationship, object, or situation.
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pick/pull/tear somebody/something to pieces/shreds
To criticize or attack someone or something extremely harshly or severely.
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