pick, pull, etc. somebody/something to bits/pieces

pick (something) to bits

To excessively analyze or criticize something, especially by finding its flaws or negative aspects. Every time I show my brother one of my stories, he just picks it to bits without saying anything that he liked about it. Critics picked his performance to bits, but fans of the franchise seemed to love it.

See also: bit, pick, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

pick, pull, etc. somebody/something to ˈbits/ˈpieces

criticize somebody/something severely and find as many faults with them/it as you can: The committee pulled his proposal to bits. They didn’t have anything positive at all to say about it. ♢ As soon as she left the room, everyone started pulling her to pieces.

See also: bit, piece, somebody, something, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017