falls, fell, fallen, falling
to fall apart
phrasal verbC
To stop functioning or working properly
- 1The car started to fall apart after years of use.
- 2The plan began to fall apart due to lack of support.
When something falls apart, it means that it breaks or stops working correctly. For example, if a toy falls apart, it means that it breaks into pieces and can no longer be used. It is like when a puzzle loses its pieces and cannot be completed.
Remember that "fall apart" is often used figuratively to describe when something or someone is no longer functioning properly or is in a state of disarray. It's not always about physical objects breaking apart.
at the tattoo studio
The Broken Tattoo Machine
David
Melissa, the tattoo machine is starting to fall apart.
Melissa
Oh no, that's not good. We have clients waiting.
David
I know, I'll try to fix it quickly.
Melissa
Thanks, David. Let me know if you need any help.
at the clerk's office
The Case of the Malfunctioning Printer
Sandra
I can't believe this printer is acting up again.
Amanda
Yeah, it seems like it's starting to fall apart.
Sandra
We really need it to work for these last-minute documents.
Amanda
Let's call maintenance before it gets any worse.
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Similar to "to fall apart":
- 1malfunction
- 2break down
to fall apart meanings: