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come apart

B1 neutral intransitive
In simple words

To break into pieces or fall to bits; or when someone can't control their emotions any more.

Literal meaning: Transparent in the physical sense: the parts separate from each other.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To break into separate pieces; to disintegrate or stop holding together.

"The old paperback book came apart in my hands as I turned the pages."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic neutral

(Of a person) to lose emotional control; to break down under stress or grief.

"She held herself together at the funeral, but came apart later that evening."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

(Of a plan, relationship, or situation) to fail or collapse.

"The peace negotiations came apart when neither side would compromise on territory."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used both literally (the shelf came apart) and figuratively (she came apart after the loss). The figurative use for emotional breakdown is very common in fiction and journalism. Also used for things designed to be taken apart: 'the lamp comes apart for storage'.

Commonly used with

seams joins hands pieces grief stress examination

Forms

Base
come apart
I/you/we/they
3rd person
comes apart
he/she/it
Past simple
came apart
yesterday
Past participle
come apart
have + pp
-ing form
coming apart
continuous

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