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
Many Arab and Western leaders have conditioned full ties with Syria’s new government — including relief from Western sanctions that have left the economy in tatters — on the creation of an inclusive political process that reflects Syria’s ethnic and religious diversity.
—
Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
The nearly three-hour podcast was a perfect storm of virality: comedy, conspiracy, and searing insult, leaving the internet in tatters.
—Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024
But after more than a decade of conflict, Syria’s transitional authorities now inherit a country in tatters.
—Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024
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
See All Example Sentences for in tatters
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Christina Goldbaum, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
The nearly three-hour podcast was a perfect storm of virality: comedy, conspiracy, and searing insult, leaving the internet in tatters.
—Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024
But after more than a decade of conflict, Syria’s transitional authorities now inherit a country in tatters.
—Karam Shaar, Foreign Affairs, 20 Dec. 2024
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
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 19 Apr. 2025.
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