# fall apart

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fall-apart
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be emotionally in crisis.

## Examples

- She started to fall apart after hearing the bad news.
- He tried to stay strong during the funeral, but he finally fell apart when the music started playing.
- Despite her outward appearance of composure, she began to fall apart under the immense pressure of the investigation and the constant scrutiny of the public.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.