in tatters

idiom

: clothes that are old and badly torn
They were dressed in tatters.
often used figuratively
After the war, the economy was in tatters.
Her hopes lay in tatters.

Examples of in tatters in a Sentence

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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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“In tatters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20tatters. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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