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come apart — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
come apart
break into pieceslose emotional control

Meaning 1 · most common

break into pieces

A man in an armchair holds the two halves of an old book whose spine has split, pages fluttering down.

To separate into pieces, usually because something is weak or damaged.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

My old shoes came apart after just a few months.

A: What happened to your bag?
B: It just came apart when I tried to pick it up.

Common mistake

Not: The toy came apart in pieces.

Say: The toy came apart. / The toy fell to pieces.

'Come apart' already means separate into pieces — 'apart in pieces' is redundant.

More on “break into pieces”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, cheap furniture often comes apart quickly, so it's better to invest in better quality.

Tell it apart

The chair came apart when he sat down.

  • fell into pieces

He came apart when he heard the news.

  • broke down emotionally — different sense

Goes with

  • come apart
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Next meaning: lose emotional control

Meaning 2

lose emotional control

  • come apart sth

To become unable to control your emotions, often as a result of stress, shock, or grief.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

After hearing the news, she completely came apart and couldn't stop crying.

A: How did Mark handle the pressure at work?
B: Honestly, he came apart during the meeting and had to leave the room.

Common mistake

Not: He came apart from the pressure.

Say: He came apart under the pressure.

People come apart UNDER pressure, not 'from'.

More on “lose emotional control”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Some people are able to cope with adversity, while others may come apart when faced with unexpected challenges.

Tell it apart

He came apart at the funeral.

  • broke down emotionally

The parcel came apart in transit.

  • fell into pieces

Goes with

  • come apart (emotionally)
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break into pieceslose emotional control