Tear somebody/something apart, to shreds, to bits, etc.
verb
To destroy or ruin completely.
Her lawyer tore his argument to shreds in court
Often appears as...
- tear someone's argument to shreds
- tear a person's reputation apart
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To criticize or reprimand severely.
The teacher tore him apart for his poor performance
Often appears as...
- tear someone apart for their mistakes
- tear someone to shreds for their behaviour
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To rip something into small pieces.
The dog tore the paper to bits
Often appears as...
- tear paper to shreds
- tear clothes apart
verb
To destroy or ruin completely.
Her lawyer tore his argument to shreds in court
Often appears as...
- tear someone's argument to shreds
- tear a person's reputation apart
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb
To criticize or reprimand severely.
The teacher tore him apart for his poor performance
Often appears as...
- tear someone apart for their mistakes
- tear someone to shreds for their behaviour
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To rip something into small pieces.
The dog tore the paper to bits
Often appears as...
- tear paper to shreds
- tear clothes apart
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Contextual Destruction
Mainly used when something is ruined so badly it's beyond repair, especially intangible things like arguments.
His reputation was torn apart after the scandal.
Pro Tip 2/3Visual Imagery
Often creates a strong mental image of something being completely dismantled.
The critique tore her business plan to shreds.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
More about the effect than a literal action, great for emphasizing the extent of the destruction.
The new evidence tore his alibi to bits.
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