The term 'smash to pieces' can be summed up in two words: TOTAL and DESTROY. TOTAL means to completely DESTROY or demolish something, while DESTROY means to ruin or damage something beyond repair. This phrase is often used to describe a situation where something has been completely destroyed or ruined, such as a building after an earthquake or a car after a crash. It can also be used figuratively to describe a situation where something has been completely ruined, such as a relationship or a reputation.