tear someone or something to shreds

tear (someone or something) to shreds

1. To criticize, upbraid, or condemn someone or something severely or thoroughly. A: "Have you heard anything about this movie we're about to see?" B: "Well, one reviewer tore it to shreds, but I still think it's going to be great." I hear John's bosses tore him to shreds at his annual performance review.
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 tearing the place to shreds. Sarah's very first opponent in amateur boxing tore her to shreds, but that's how it goes for most novice fighters.
See also: shred, tear
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

tear someone or something to shreds (or pieces)

criticize someone or something aggressively. informal
See also: shred, someone, something, tear
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • rip (someone or something) to shreds
  • tear (someone or something) to pieces
  • tear (someone or something) to shreds
  • tear somebody/something to pieces/shreds
  • tear to pieces
  • rebuke
  • rebuke (someone or something) for (doing) (something)
  • rebuke for
  • reprimand
  • reprimand for