Rip somebody/something apart/to shreds/to bits, etc.

usgb
verb

Tear something or someone into small pieces, physically or metaphorically.

He ripped the letter apart and threw it in the bin.
Visual representation of "rip somebody/something apart/to shreds/to bits, etc." - Tear something or someone into small pieces, physically or metaphorically.

Often appears as...

  • rip the paper apart
  • rip someone's argument apart
verb

Criticize someone or something severely.

The critics ripped his performance apart.
Visual representation of "rip somebody/something apart/to shreds/to bits, etc." - Criticize someone or something severely.

Often appears as...

  • rip someone's performance apart
  • rip someone's character apart

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

Destroy something, often a relationship or a social structure.

Their divorce ripped their family apart.
Visual representation of "rip somebody/something apart/to shreds/to bits, etc." - Destroy something, often a relationship or a social structure.

Often appears as...

  • rip family apart
  • rip marriage apart

Usage tips

Negative

verb

Tear something or someone into small pieces, physically or metaphorically.

He ripped the letter apart and threw it in the bin.
Visual representation of "rip somebody/something apart/to shreds/to bits, etc." - Tear something or someone into small pieces, physically or metaphorically.

Often appears as...

  • rip the paper apart
  • rip someone's argument apart
verb

Criticize someone or something severely.

The critics ripped his performance apart.
Visual representation of "rip somebody/something apart/to shreds/to bits, etc." - Criticize someone or something severely.

Often appears as...

  • rip someone's performance apart
  • rip someone's character apart

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

Destroy something, often a relationship or a social structure.

Their divorce ripped their family apart.
Visual representation of "rip somebody/something apart/to shreds/to bits, etc." - Destroy something, often a relationship or a social structure.

Often appears as...

  • rip family apart
  • rip marriage apart

Usage tips

Negative

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "rip somebody/something apart/to shreds/to bits, etc."
LampPro Tip 1/3

Intensity

Indicates violent or intense action, often used to emphasize the force or emotional strength behind the action.

Illustration for Intensity
After losing the game, he ripped his jersey apart in frustration.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Physical Destruction

Literally destroying something by tearing it into pieces, showing strong feelings like anger.

Illustration for Physical Destruction
She ripped the photograph to shreds, wanting to forget the memories.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Expressing Contempt

May show disdain or lack of respect for the object being torn apart.

Illustration for Expressing Contempt
In a dramatic scene, the villain ripped the hero's flag to bits.
Visual representation of the word "Rip somebody/something apart/to shreds/to bits, etc."

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