How shattered things panic? (2,2,6)

I believe the answer is:

go to pieces

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'panic?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for go to pieces that I've seen before include "lose it?" , "Become so nervous as to be unable to function" , "Have a breakdown" , "Break up entirely" , "Crack up" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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