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
The Obama coalition lay in tatters, with Hispanic men especially joining the white working class in deserting Democrats in droves.
—
W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
With the deal now largely in tatters, European powers are seeking to either have the U.S. help agree to new limits on Iran’s nuclear program or use a mechanism in the deal to reimpose all sanctions before the deal expires in October.
—Reuters, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for in tatters
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W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 14 Mar. 2025
With the deal now largely in tatters, European powers are seeking to either have the U.S. help agree to new limits on Iran’s nuclear program or use a mechanism in the deal to reimpose all sanctions before the deal expires in October.
—Reuters, NBC News, 27 Feb. 2025
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
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 26 Mar. 2025.
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