Meaning 1 · most common
break into pieces
To break into separate parts, usually because something is old, weak, or damaged.
How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing
Examples
My old shoes are starting to fall apart after years of use.
A: Why are you throwing that bag away?
B: It's falling apart—the handle just came off.
Common mistake
Not: The bag fell apart into pieces.
Say: The bag fell apart.
'Fall apart' already means break into pieces — 'into pieces' is redundant.
More on “break into pieces”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip
Another example
During the move, some of our boxes fell apart because they were too full.
Tell it apart
My old boots are falling apart.
I fell apart when I heard the news.
Goes with
- fall apart + subject