rip apart

rip (someone or something) apart

1. Literally, to tear someone or something into several pieces. The dog got ahold of my report and ripped it apart! I know there's a stereotype that sharks will rip swimmers apart the moment they have the chance, but this is simply not true.

2. To cause great damage, disorder, or ruin to someone or something. Enjoy the tranquility and order of your house now, because soon your kids will start ripping the place apart. Sarah's very first opponent in amateur boxing ripped her apart, but that's how it goes for most novice fighters.

3. To criticize, upbraid, or condemn someone or something thoroughly or severely. A: "Have you heard anything about this movie we're about to see?" B: "Well, one reviewer ripped it apart, but I still think it's going to be great." I hear John's bosses ripped him apart at his annual performance review.

See also: apart, rip

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

rip someone or something apart

to tear someone or something apart into pieces. The automobile accident ripped the car apart. Don't rip apart the newspaper!

See also: apart, rip

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

rip somebody/something aˈpart/to ˈshreds, ˈbits, etc.

destroy something; criticize somebody/something very strongly: Can you believe it? I spent all that time preparing my report, only to have it ripped to shreds! OPPOSITE: praise somebody/something to the skies

See also: apart, rip, somebody, something, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017