The idiom **支离破碎 (zhīlí pòsuì)** is formed through a parallel and reduplicative structure where both **支离** and **破碎** are synonymous compounds meaning "fragmented" or "shattered," combining to intensify the sense of total disintegration. The first part, **支离**, historically implies something scattered and disjointed (as seen in classical texts like the *Zhuangzi*, describing a physically deformed person to metaphorically convey disorder), while **破碎** literally means "broken into pieces." When paired, they create a powerful four-character expression that vividly emphasizes a state of being utterly torn apart, both physically and abstractly, thus forming an idiom that conveys complete fragmentation and ruin.