been in the wars
Been injured, damaged, decrepit, or appears as such, as one might be who has fought in a war. Can be said of a person or a thing. Primarily heard in UK. How old is that junky computer of yours? It looks like it's been in the wars! That must have been one heck of a fight. You look like you've been in the wars!
have been in the wars
have been hurt or injured. informal