break (something) to pieces

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break (something) to pieces

To break something into fragments. I broke the vase to pieces when I dropped it on the floor.

break something to pieces

to shatter something. I broke my crystal vase to pieces. I dropped a glass and broke it to pieces.

References in classic literature ?

First, because I'm on the same side of the door as you are; secondly, because they're making such a noise inside, no one could possibly hear you.' And certainly there was a most extraordinary noise going on within--a constant howling and sneezing, and every now and then a great crash, as if a dish or kettle had been broken to pieces.

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Here and there I found traces of the little people in the shape of rare fossils broken to pieces or threaded in strings upon reeds.

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I thought of the happy life that pair had led in the cosy studio in Montmartre, Stroeve and his wife, their simplicity, kindness, and hospitality; it seemed to me cruel that it should have been broken to pieces by a ruthless chance; but the cruellest thing of all was that in fact it made no great difference.

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Rachel is understandably broken to pieces by it all."

'Very caring' dad died watching TV; NEWS IN BRIEF

When recycling corrugated cardboard, residents should note that it needs to be folded or broken to pieces no larger than 1m x 1m.

Recycling services set to get easier

More likely, Burton and Eriksson say in the September Ambio, the seals ate fish that had ingested bits of consumer products broken to pieces by rocks and waves.--B.H.