take to pieces

1. To disassemble something into many smaller parts. A noun or pronoun is used between "take" and "to." Often used in passive constructions. I had to take the washing machine to pieces in order to figure out what was wrong. The sofa will have to be taken to pieces to fit into the moving van.

2. To beat or thrash someone thoroughly and severely. A noun or pronoun is used between "take" and "to." Often used in passive constructions. The mugger didn't realize his victim was a martial arts expert, and she completely took him to pieces. He acted tough, but he was taken to pieces by the two brothers.

3. To utterly dominate someone in an argument, debate, criticism, etc. A noun or pronoun is used between "take" and "to." Often used in passive constructions. Sandy took her husband to pieces when he tried to justify the new flatscreen TV he bought with their savings. My midterm paper got taken to pieces by my professor.

take something to pieces

Inf. to disassemble something. I will have to take the vacuum cleaner to pieces to find out what's wrong with it. The machine was taken to pieces again in an effort to find where the leftover part belonged.