Tear/rip somebody limb from limb
verb phrase
To cause extreme harm or damage to someone, especially physically.
The angry mob threatened to tear the thief limb from limb.
Often appears as...
- threaten to tear/rip someone limb from limb
- sworn to tear/rip someone limb from limb
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To criticize or scold someone severely.
The boss ripped him limb from limb for the blunder in the presentation.
Often appears as...
- rip somebody limb from limb for a mistake/blunder
- tear somebody limb from limb for a fault/error
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To cause extreme harm or damage to someone, especially physically.
The angry mob threatened to tear the thief limb from limb.
Often appears as...
- threaten to tear/rip someone limb from limb
- sworn to tear/rip someone limb from limb
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To criticize or scold someone severely.
The boss ripped him limb from limb for the blunder in the presentation.
Often appears as...
- rip somebody limb from limb for a mistake/blunder
- tear somebody limb from limb for a fault/error
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Warning
Used to express a severe threat, often exaggerating the intention of actual physical violence.
If you touch my belongings, I’ll tear you limb from limb.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Speech
Not usually meant to be taken literally, but to indicate extreme anger or the potential for violence.
The character in the novel swore to tear his enemy limb from limb.
Pro Tip 3/3Intensity of Emotion
Indicates very strong emotions, could shock or alarm the listener if misunderstood.
She was so furious that she threatened to tear him limb from limb.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Warning
Used to express a severe threat, often exaggerating the intention of actual physical violence.
If you touch my belongings, I’ll tear you limb from limb.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Speech
Not usually meant to be taken literally, but to indicate extreme anger or the potential for violence.
The character in the novel swore to tear his enemy limb from limb.
Pro Tip 3/3Intensity of Emotion
Indicates very strong emotions, could shock or alarm the listener if misunderstood.
She was so furious that she threatened to tear him limb from limb.
Pro Tip 1/3Literal Warning
Used to express a severe threat, often exaggerating the intention of actual physical violence.
If you touch my belongings, I’ll tear you limb from limb.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Speech
Not usually meant to be taken literally, but to indicate extreme anger or the potential for violence.
The character in the novel swore to tear his enemy limb from limb.
Pro Tip 3/3Intensity of Emotion
Indicates very strong emotions, could shock or alarm the listener if misunderstood.
She was so furious that she threatened to tear him limb from limb.
Never forget "Tear/rip somebody limb from limb"
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