total=damage badly

[ostap77]

Do people total other things than cars? Can I say "I totaled my phone."?

 

[Barb_D]

If you said it, I'd understand. It doesn't mean "damage badly" -- it means "destroy."

 

[ostap77]

Can it be used figuratively to mean to breake something so it's not worth reparing ?

 

[5jj]

I suppose so, though I have heard/used it only in the context of car write-offs.

 

[Tdol]

If you're using something figuratively, then you're making the rules, so you could. Whether you should is another matter.

 

[SoothingDave]

I have not heard it used in another context either.

 

[MikeNewYork]

I have had many friends tell me that they "drowned" their phones. I got it and did not pres the issue. I assumed toilets were involved. :lol: