pull to pieces

pull (something) to pieces

To make an effort to find flaws or negative aspects in something through excessive analysis or criticism. Every time I show my brother one of my stories, he just pulls it to pieces without saying anything that he liked about it. Critics pulled his performance to pieces, but fans of the franchise seemed to love it.

See also: piece, pull

pull someone or something to pieces

to pull someone or something apart; to separate someone or something into pieces. The machine almost pulled him to pieces when he got his arm caught in it.

See also: piece, pull