Eat somebody alive
verb
To criticize or reprimand someone severely.
The boss will eat him alive if he arrives late again.
Often appears as...
- he'll eat you alive
- don't let her eat you alive
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To defeat or dominate someone completely in a competition or activity.
Their team was so strong, they practically ate us alive on the soccer field.
Often appears as...
- he ate them alive in poker
- the champion ate his opponent alive
verb
To criticize or reprimand someone severely.
The boss will eat him alive if he arrives late again.
Often appears as...
- he'll eat you alive
- don't let her eat you alive
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To defeat or dominate someone completely in a competition or activity.
Their team was so strong, they practically ate us alive on the soccer field.
Often appears as...
- he ate them alive in poker
- the champion ate his opponent alive
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
This phrase conveys strong negative emotions; used when someone is upset or angry.
If you mess up this deal, our manager will eat you alive.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Context
It's informal and often found in spoken language or casual writing.
You better be prepared or the audience will eat you alive.
Pro Tip 3/3Hyperbolic Nature
The phrase is hyperbolic, meaning it exaggerates the severity of the criticism.
Show up unprepared, and the critics will eat you alive.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
This phrase conveys strong negative emotions; used when someone is upset or angry.
If you mess up this deal, our manager will eat you alive.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Context
It's informal and often found in spoken language or casual writing.
You better be prepared or the audience will eat you alive.
Pro Tip 3/3Hyperbolic Nature
The phrase is hyperbolic, meaning it exaggerates the severity of the criticism.
Show up unprepared, and the critics will eat you alive.
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity
This phrase conveys strong negative emotions; used when someone is upset or angry.
If you mess up this deal, our manager will eat you alive.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Context
It's informal and often found in spoken language or casual writing.
You better be prepared or the audience will eat you alive.
Pro Tip 3/3Hyperbolic Nature
The phrase is hyperbolic, meaning it exaggerates the severity of the criticism.
Show up unprepared, and the critics will eat you alive.
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