Tear/rip the heart out of something

usgb
verb

To remove the most important or central part of something, often causing it to fail or be destroyed.

Closing down the park would rip the heart out of the community.
Visual representation of "tear/rip the heart out of something" - To remove the most important or central part of something, often causing it to fail or be destroyed

Often appears as...

  • rip the heart out of the community
  • rip the heart out of the team

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "tear/rip the heart out of something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical heart

Understand 'heart' as the most vital part, not the actual organ.

Illustration for Metaphorical heart
Selling off the old library would tear the heart out of our town's history.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotionally charged

The phrase usually suggests strong emotions, like sadness or anger.

Illustration for Emotionally charged
The sudden resignation of our CEO has ripped the heart out of the company.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative use

Remember it's a figure of speech, not to be taken literally.

Illustration for Figurative use
Replacing the old staff could rip the heart out of the team's spirit.
Visual representation of the word "Tear/rip the heart out of something"

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