Phrase guide

to pieces

prep_phrase · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see to, piece.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

prep_phrase

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see to, piece.

Into fragments or parts.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The dog tore the doll to pieces.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

prep_phrase

Meaning 3

Completely, utterly.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I just love my nieces to pieces.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

prep_phrase

Meaning 4

Out of control.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

prep_phrase

Meaning 5

Into a state of emotional breakdown.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I went all to pieces when my brother died.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.