They argued and fought for years, and their relationship is now in tatters.
Etymology: based on the literal meaning of clothing in tatters (= torn in small pieces)
in tatters
In a ruined condition. (Used literally or figuratively.) You can't wear this jacket to dinner—it's in tatters!The company was in tatters after the founding members resigned.
in tatters
Fig. in torn pieces of cloth. The poor man's clothes hung in tatters.The flag was in tatters after the storm.