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wreck

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train wreck

1. A major or total failure, disaster, or catastrophe. This project has become an absolute train wreck. We've wasted so much time and money already, I don't know how we'll make up the losses. Despite a stellar cast, the film turned out to be a real train wreck.

2. A person whose life is a complete mess or is in total disarray. I don't know about my relationship with Kevin. He's a bit of a train wreck, between you and me.

See also: train, wreck

go under the wrecking ball

Fig. to be wrecked or torn down. That lovely old building finally went under the wrecking ball. I hate to see good architecture go under the wrecking ball.

See also: ball, wreck

nervous wreck

An individual suffering from extreme agitation or worry, as in Pat was a nervous wreck until her mother arrived at the wedding. This expression is nearly always used hyperbolically. [Colloquial; c. 1900] Also see basket case.

See also: nervous, wreck