to bits
1. Literally, into small pieces. The demolition crew came in and blew the house to bits. The vase smashed to bits when I dropped it on the floor.
2. To a huge or great degree. A: "I really hope Mary enjoys her surprise birthday party." B: "I'm sure she'll be thrilled to bits!" Goodnight, sweetheart, Mommy and Daddy love you to bits!
3. To an emotionally unstable frame of mind. (Used almost exclusively after the verb "go.") Poor Jane really went to bits during the funeral service. I can't watch those sappy movies because I just go to bits every time.
4. To a deteriorated, foiled, or unsuccessful state. Boy, this party has really gone to bits. First, there was the issue with the caterer, and now half the guests aren't coming. Their last-minute field goal dashed our hopes of making the playoffs to bits.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.