be in tatters
be in tatters
be in ˈtatters
1 (of clothes) be torn in many places: He got into a fight and came home with his clothes in tatters.
2 (of a plan, an idea, a person’s feelings, etc.) be ruined or badly damaged: She’s failed her exams, and now all her hopes of becoming a doctor are in tatters. ♢ His career and his reputation are both in tatters after the scandal.