tear into

tear into someone or something

to attack someone or something; to attack someone or something with the intent of eating someone or something. The wolves tore into the hunter and injured him severely. The kids tore into the cake and ate it all.

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tear into someone

Fig. to scold someone severely; to attack someone with criticism. I was late, and the boss tore into me like a mad dog. I don't know why she tore into me. I was at work when the window was broken.

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tear into something

Fig. to begin eating food with gusto. The family tore into the mountain of food like they hadn't eaten since breakfast—which was true, in fact. Jimmy tore into the turkey leg and cleaned it off in no time.

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tear into somebody

to attack someone fiercely He tore into the witness, calling him a liar. I saw a small boy tear into a much larger fellow who had taken his bike.

See also: tear