Pick/pull/tear somebody/something to pieces/shreds
verb
Critize or judge someone or something harshly.
The news media will tear the politician's campaign to shreds.
Often appears as...
- tear to shreds
- pull to pieces
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To cause physical damage by ripping or tearing.
The wolf can pull its prey to pieces in seconds.
Often appears as...
- tear to shreds
- pull to pieces
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To analyze something by examining its components.
In the study group, we pick the theory apart to understand it better.
Often appears as...
- pick apart
- tear down
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
verb
Critize or judge someone or something harshly.
The news media will tear the politician's campaign to shreds.
Often appears as...
- tear to shreds
- pull to pieces
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To cause physical damage by ripping or tearing.
The wolf can pull its prey to pieces in seconds.
Often appears as...
- tear to shreds
- pull to pieces
Usage tips
Formal
verb
To analyze something by examining its components.
In the study group, we pick the theory apart to understand it better.
Often appears as...
- pick apart
- tear down
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Harsh Criticism
Used when expressing very strong disapproval or pointing out faults in detail.
The judges will tear her performance to shreds with their feedback.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
This phrase is usually metaphorical and doesn't involve physical tearing.
Critics pulled the new movie to pieces for its plot holes.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
It often carries a negative connotation and can sound overly aggressive.
After the presentation, they tore his arguments to shreds.
Pro Tip 1/3Harsh Criticism
Used when expressing very strong disapproval or pointing out faults in detail.
The judges will tear her performance to shreds with their feedback.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
This phrase is usually metaphorical and doesn't involve physical tearing.
Critics pulled the new movie to pieces for its plot holes.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
It often carries a negative connotation and can sound overly aggressive.
After the presentation, they tore his arguments to shreds.
Pro Tip 1/3Harsh Criticism
Used when expressing very strong disapproval or pointing out faults in detail.
The judges will tear her performance to shreds with their feedback.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
This phrase is usually metaphorical and doesn't involve physical tearing.
Critics pulled the new movie to pieces for its plot holes.
Pro Tip 3/3Negative Connotation
It often carries a negative connotation and can sound overly aggressive.
After the presentation, they tore his arguments to shreds.
Never forget "Pick/pull/tear somebody/something to pieces/shreds"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension