fall apart

Use it as a verb to describe the subject's condition. You do not usually fall apart something; rather, the thing falls apart on its own. If your old car is making strange noises, you might say, "My car is falling apart." If you want to talk about the past, use fell apart. For example, "Our travel plans fell apart because of the rain." It is a very flexible phrase that works for objects and feelings alike.

Use it when something is reaching its breaking point. It is perfect for complaining about poor quality products. "This bag is falling apart after just one week!" It is also great for deep, emotional conversations with friends. If you have had a very hard day, telling a friend "I’m starting to fall apart" lets them know you need support. It sounds more dramatic and descriptive than just saying something is "broken."

Avoid using it for small, easily fixed problems. If you just dropped a pen, it did not fall apart. Do not use it in very stiff, legal documents unless you are describing a literal physical collapse. In a professional setting, be careful using it about yourself. Saying "I’m falling apart" in a job interview might make you seem unstable! Stick to using it for projects or old equipment in the office.

In Western culture, there is a famous poem by W.B. Yeats that says, "Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold." This idea is deeply embedded in English literature and music. It reflects a fear of chaos or the natural end of things. Americans often use it to describe the "Midlife Crisis" or a "Mental Breakdown." It is a very human expression that acknowledges that nothing lasts forever, whether it is a bridge or a marriage.

Sometimes you will hear people say come apart at the seams. This is a sewing metaphor that means the same thing. You might also hear fall to pieces. Both are slightly more descriptive but carry the same weight. If someone says they are pulling themselves together, they are doing the exact opposite of falling apart. It is the recovery phase after the collapse.