in tatters

Meaning

Badly torn in many places; in shreds.

(figuratively) Ruined, destroyed, wrecked.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Synonyms

ripped ragged frayed tattered tatty done for torn moth-eaten

Antonyms

untarnished

Examples

It's very hard to make arguments about the effects of cloning on family relations if family relations are in tatters. Leon Kass

Don't despise a man under a cape nor a woman in tatters. Sicilian Proverb

Candour once went further boldly and in smiles, but it crept home in tatters and tears. American Proverb

Attempting to restore his honor, Elliott and his supporters began a 30-year campaign that would outlive both men and ultimately leave his reputation in tatters. Source: Internet

More than 23 soldiers were killed in Taliban attacks on Monday as belligerent militants are waging a war of terrain and power; diplomacy seems just as much in tatters as the battlefield as a rift has launched peace negotiations into pandemonium. Source: Internet

'Football as a whole is going to come out of this so poorly with its reputation in tatters because of the greed on display!' Source: Internet

Words in the phrase

in tatters

Close letter words and terms

in tact in tandem in tandem with in tears in terms in terms of