in tatters

idiom

: clothes that are old and badly torn
They were dressed in tatters.
often used figuratively
After the war, the economy was in tatters.
Her hopes lay in tatters.

Examples of in tatters in a Sentence

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The country’s international standing is in tatters, threatening its diplomatic goals, such as the normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia. Erika Solomon, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 The Iranian regime has never looked so weak and vulnerable, with its empire of terror in tatters (thanks to Israel) and mounting crises at home (thanks to its corruption). Nate Sibley, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025 Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Iran's strategy is in tatters Iran's strategy for decades has been to support a network of Arab partners with the intent of undermining Israel. Greg Myre, NPR, 16 Jan. 2025 Once praised for his response as mayor to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Giuliani's reputation is now in tatters. Luc Cohen, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for in tatters 

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Cite this Entry

“In tatters.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20tatters. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

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