“Aan gruzelementen” is a Dutch phrase that means “into smithereens”. It is used to describe something that has been completely destroyed or broken into very small pieces.
For example, you might say:
- “De vaas viel op de grond en ging aan gruzelementen.” (The vase fell on the ground and shattered into smithereens.)
- “De bom explodeerde en het hele gebouw ging aan gruzelementen.” (The bomb exploded and the whole building was reduced to smithereens.)
- “Hij was zo boos dat hij de telefoon aan gruzelementen smeet.” (He was so angry that he smashed the phone into smithereens.)
The phrase “aan gruzelementen” can also be used figuratively to describe something that has been completely destroyed or ruined, such as a relationship, a reputation, or a plan.
For example, you might say:
- “Hun relatie ging aan gruzelementen na het schandaal.” (Their relationship was reduced to smithereens after the scandal.)
- “Zijn reputatie ging aan gruzelementen na de beschuldigingen van fraude.” (His reputation was shattered after the accusations of fraud.)
- “Het plan ging aan gruzelementen toen de sponsor zich terugtrok.” (The plan was ruined when the sponsor withdrew.)