come apart
Related to come apart: come apart at the seams
come apart
1. To break, crumble, or disassemble into smaller pieces or components (unintentionally); to fall apart or come undone. The cookie was so soft that it just came apart in my hands. Hold that mechanism carefully so it doesn't come apart—it's a chore to assemble it.
2. To separate or disassemble into individual pieces. And when you're done with the clothing rack, it comes apart in three pieces for easy storage.
3. To be approaching failure. Boy, this party is really coming apart. First, there was the issue with the caterer, and now half the guests have canceled.
4. To become very emotional. Poor Jane really came apart during the funeral service. I can't watch those sappy movies because I just come apart every time.
See also: apart, come
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
come apart
to break apart; to break up. The missile came apart in midair. I was afraid our car would come apart on that rough road.
See also: apart, come
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
come apart
v.
1. To be separated into parts; disintegrate; break apart: The roof of the old building is starting to come apart and needs to be replaced.
2. To be capable of being separated into parts: This picnic table comes apart into five pieces that easily fit in the car.
3. To begin to fail, especially by losing coherence or due to internal conflict: My schedule is getting so busy that my plan to visit Poland is coming apart. Halfway through the proposal, their arguments in favor of buying the house came apart.
4. To be suddenly unable to cope with negative emotions; have an emotional breakdown: When I heard the news about their death, I completely came apart.
See also: apart, come
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- take apart
- take someone or something apart
- take someone/something apart
- crumble
- tear a place apart
- tear apart
- tear someone/something apart
- apart from
- live apart (from someone)
- hack apart