cut (someone or something) to ribbons
1. Literally, to badly cut or gash someone or something. Kids, get away from the broken window—all that glass could cut you to ribbons! Sharks cut their prey to ribbon with their razor-sharp teeth. A: "I'm kind of nervous to be around so much equipment." B: "Well, don't worry, that saw will only cut you to ribbons if it's plugged in—which it's not."
2. To judge or criticize someone or something harshly. I thought I had done a good job on the project, but my boss just cut me to ribbons, pointing out every little thing I had overlooked. After I flubbed that easy catch in the outfield, I knew the coach was gonna cut me to ribbons back in the dugout. Yikes, Millie's advisers cut her thesis to ribbons? I hope my advisers aren't as harsh!
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