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fall apart

B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To break into many pieces, or to stop working or existing properly.

Literal meaning: To fall in separate directions — pieces separating from each other.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To break into pieces physically; to disintegrate.

"The old paperback was so worn that it fell apart the moment she opened it."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

Of a plan, organization, or situation: to fail completely or stop functioning.

"The peace talks fell apart after both sides refused to compromise on the key issues."

"Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold."

— W.B. Yeats, 'The Second Coming', 1919 (also the basis for Chinua Achebe's novel title 'Things Fall Apart', 1958).
Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

Of a person: to lose emotional control; to become unable to cope.

"When she heard the news, she completely fell apart and couldn't stop crying for days."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Used both literally (an object disintegrating) and figuratively (a relationship, plan, or person collapsing). The figurative sense is extremely common in everyday speech. Can also describe someone losing emotional control under stress.

Commonly used with

relationship marriage plan deal seams peace process family

Forms

Base
fall apart
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls apart
he/she/it
Past simple
fell apart
yesterday
Past participle
fallen apart
have + pp
-ing form
falling apart
continuous

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Synonyms

disintegrate collapse crumble break down come apart unravel

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