to bits


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 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.See also: bit

to bits

very much. informal 1998 Times A succession of elderly ladies explained how, as young women, they had fancied him to bits. See also: bit

to bits


1 into small pieces: The book fell to bits in my hands. ♢ She took the engine to bits, then carefully put it together again.
2 (spoken, informal) very much: I love my kids to bits. ♢ She was thrilled to bits when I said I’d come.See also: bit