tear it

that tears it

1. That's been ruined or spoiled. Well, that tears it for our chances at getting re-elected. A: "That didn't sound good." B: "Yep, that's torn it—the engine is completely shot now."

2. I've had it; that's enough. OK, that tears it, I'm calling the police—it's 2 AM and that party is still blasting music.

See also: tear, that

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

tear it

Ruin something, spoil one's chances, as in She knew she'd torn it when she lost the address. It is often put as that tears it, as in He's a whole week late-well, that tears it for the September issue. [Colloquial; early 1900s]

See also: tear

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.