fall to bits

1. Literally, to fall or break apart. This old truck my grandfather sold me started falling to bits as soon as I began driving it. No, don't sit in that chair—it's so old, it's liable to fall to bits with you in it! A: "Did the handle just come off in your hand?" B: "Yep, this ladle's officially fallen to bits."

2. To become emotionally upset or unstable. She fell to bits when she heard the news of her mother's death. If you can hear the screaming in the background, just ignore it—my toddler is falling to bits about one thing or another. Poor Jane really fell to bits during the funeral service.