tear (someone or something) to ribbons

tear (someone or something) to ribbons

1. Literally, to destroy something by ripping or tearing it. I got so frustrated with that sketch that I finally just tore it to ribbons.
2. To judge or criticize someone or something harshly. I thought I had done a good job on the project, but my boss just tore me to ribbons, pointing out every little thing I had overlooked.
See also: ribbon, tear
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cut, tear, etc. something to ˈribbons

cut, tear, etc. something very badly: She was so furious when she discovered her husband with another woman that she cut all his clothes to ribbons.
See also: ribbon, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • cut, tear, etc. something to ribbons
  • be on the lines of (something)
  • be along the lines of (something)
  • be tearing (one's) hair out
  • be tearing your hair out
  • tear (one's) hair out
  • tear out (one's) hair
  • tear your hair out
  • cut (someone or something) to ribbons
  • cut something to ribbons