go to pieces

go to pieces

1. To become very emotional. Poor Jane really went to pieces during the funeral service. I can't watch those sappy movies because I just go to pieces every time.
2. To deteriorate or go awry. Boy, this party has really gone to pieces. First, there was the issue with the caterer, and now half the guests aren't coming.
See also: go, piece
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go to pieces

 
1. Lit. [for something] to fall apart into many pieces. The vase—which had been repaired many times—just went to pieces when I put it down. When the window was hit by the ball, it went to pieces.
2. Fig. [for something] to become nonfunctional. His plan went to pieces. All her hopes and ideas went to pieces in that one meeting.
3. Fig. [for someone] to have a mental collapse. Poor Jane went to pieces after her divorce. Fred went to pieces during the trial.
See also: go, piece
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

go to pieces

Experience an emotional or mental breakdown, as in When she heard of his death she went to pieces. [Late 1800s] For a synonym, see fall apart, def. 2.
See also: go, piece
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

go to pieces

COMMON
1. If someone goes to pieces, they are so upset that they cannot control their emotions or deal with the things that they have to do. She's a strong woman, but she nearly went to pieces when Arnie died. Every time he's faced with a problem he goes to pieces. Note: You can also say that someone falls to pieces. He says he would have fallen to pieces without his faith.
2. If something such as your work or a relationship goes to pieces, it becomes very bad. My work is all going to pieces. She was one point away from victory when her game went to pieces.
See also: go, piece
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

go to pieces

become so nervous or upset that you are unable to behave or perform normally.
See also: go, piece
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

go (all) to ˈpieces

(informal) (after a terrible shock, etc.) become so upset or nervous that you can no longer lead your life normally: After he lost his job he just seemed to go to pieces. OPPOSITE: pull yourself together
See also: go, piece
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • crumble into
  • crumble into (something)
  • to pieces
  • crumble up
  • rend
  • rend (something) in (something)
  • rip (someone or something) to pieces
  • rip to
  • in bits and pieces
  • shoot to pieces
References in periodicals archive
Pearce, tipped as an England coach to follow Sven Goran Eriksson, has seen his team go to pieces over the last six months, losing 11 of their last 12 Premiership away games.
Football: Pearce is on brink of sack as City crash out; CARLING CUP SECOND ROUND: CHESTERFIELD 2 MANCHESTER CITY 1
But step it up to 50 overs and a few hours of graft and they go to pieces.
PICK OF THE DAY; Live cricket Sky Sports 1, 1am
Each year the Addicks get to within touching distance of Europe and then go to pieces in April, blowing their hopes of the UEFA Cup spot which would take the club forward.
Lawro on Saturday: CURBS FAILS TO STRIKE THE RIGHT NOTE
When a player makes a bogey he will almost certainly drift in outright betting, but players with a solid temperament find themselves able to respond to a setback with a positive score on the following hole, while others are prone to letting their emotions get the better of them and go to pieces. The best in-running punters will know which players possess bouncebackability and which do not, and bet accordingly.
Golf: The 19th hole: Vijay boasts bundles of bounceback ability
He added: "I was really, really trying to hold it back because I really don't want to go to pieces."
I'm a Celebrity: I'm staying for my Nan
Fellow judges Pete Waterman and Nikki Chapman took on the roles as magician and assistant only too happy to see Cowell go to pieces.
Simon's a Chop Idol
The Parisian seems to go to pieces when in contention on day four.
The 19th Hole: You're not - Gregory Havret
John Lennon's Imagine is on the no list, as is A World Without Love and I Go to Pieces by Peter and Gordon.
WAR ON TERROR: POP SONG BLACKLIST
They respected him to such an extent that they would go to pieces in battle with the Floridian phenomenon.
The 19th Hole: You're Ace