be a war zone

1. To be characterized by violence, lawlessness, or chaos. Likened to an area in which literal military combat takes place. That part of the city is a total war zone now due to all the gang violence. After the local government collapsed, what was left behind was a war zone of various political groups vying for control. Those poor refugees escaped the famine but now they're in a war zone—it's truly awful.

2. To be especially cluttered, disorderly, or chaotic. Your bedroom is a war zone. Now get in there and clean it up! I know my desk looks like a war zone, but I know exactly where everything is that I need. Can you help me organize the file cabinet? It's just a war zone right now and no one can find anything they're looking for.