dissolve into (something)

1. to end in an unpleasant or disorderly way.

The discussion quickly dissolved into nasty accusations about her business dealings.

Usage notes: often said about something that has begun pleasantly or without disagreement

2. to lose control and express strong emotions.

She dissolved into tears when she saw the damage to her home.

Everyone dissolved into gales of laughter at my sister's remark.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of dissolve (= to be absorbed by a liquid)

• the tide turns
• the time is ripe
• the tip of the iceberg
• the toast of
• the toast of somewhere
• the tools of the trade
• the tools of trade
• the tools of your trade
• the top brass
• the top dog
• the top flight
• the top of the heap
• the top of the hour
• the top of the ladder
• make ready to do something
• make rounds
• make scarce
• make seem like a picnic
• make sense
• make sense of
• make sense of something
• make sheep's eyes at
• make sheep's eyes at someone
• make short work of
• make short work of someone