Final answer:
The phrase in question exemplifies hyperbole, which is a figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
Therefore, hyperbole is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase 'They were so nervous they thought they might explode into tiny pieces' is an example of hyperbole. Hyperbole is a type of figurative language that involves extreme exaggeration to create a strong impression or emphasize a particular point. It is not meant to be taken literally, as in the case of someone literally exploding, but rather to convey the intensity of their nerves.which is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. Hyperbole is often used to create vivid imagery and evoke strong emotions. In this case, the phrase exaggerates the degree of nervousness by suggesting that it is so intense it could cause physical fragmentation.