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
Ex-Army recruiter flees state with 17-year-old girlfriend after estranged wife's murder 04:12
John Blauvelt's Army career was in tatters.
—
James Stolz, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2025
As the deadline approached, Vancouver’s team and plans were in tatters.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
However, the plan now appears to be in tatters thanks to an intervention from London Assembly Member Caroline Russell.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
But today, a major war rages in Europe, the Middle East is in disarray, and the old international system is in tatters.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for in tatters
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James Stolz, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2025
As the deadline approached, Vancouver’s team and plans were in tatters.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025
However, the plan now appears to be in tatters thanks to an intervention from London Assembly Member Caroline Russell.
—Carlton Reid, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
But today, a major war rages in Europe, the Middle East is in disarray, and the old international system is in tatters.
—Michael Kimmage, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 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 13 Mar. 2025.
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