in tatters
idiom
: clothes that are old and badly torn
They were dressed in tatters.
—often used figurativelyAfter the war, the economy was in tatters.
Her hopes lay in tatters.
Examples of in tatters in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Dramatic photos of the demolition work showed construction equipment tearing into the East Wing façade and windows and other building parts in tatters on the ground.
—
Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Israel’s reputation in the United States is in tatters, and not only on college campuses or among progressives.
—David M. Halbfinger, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
The defense that day hit rock bottom with its linebacking corps in tatters.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 Oct. 2025
Original sin Fourteen years of Conservative governments left Britain’s public services in tatters.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in tatters
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Dave Smith, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
Israel’s reputation in the United States is in tatters, and not only on college campuses or among progressives.
—David M. Halbfinger, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
The defense that day hit rock bottom with its linebacking corps in tatters.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 5 Oct. 2025
Original sin Fourteen years of Conservative governments left Britain’s public services in tatters.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in tatters
Cite this Entry
“In tatters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20tatters. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
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