To be completely devastated, destroyed, or wrecked. The town lay in ruins after the hurricane tore through it.

What does lay in ruins mean?

: destroyed with some pieces or parts remaining The building was/lay in ruins. —sometimes used figuratively After her death, the family was in ruins.

What do you mean by ruins?

noun. ruins, the remains of a building, city, etc., that has been destroyed or that is in disrepair or a state of decay: We visited the ruins of ancient Greece. a destroyed or decayed building, town, etc. a fallen, wrecked, or decayed condition: The building fell to ruin. the downfall, decay, or destruction of anything ...