pick (someone or 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 picks it to pieces without saying anything that he liked about it. Critics picked him to pieces for his performance, but fans of the franchise seemed to love it.
pick someone or something to pieces
1. Lit. to pull or pinch at someone or something until only pieces are left. The savage birds picked the carcass to pieces. The mice seem to have picked the stuffed doll to pieces.
2. Fig. to criticize someone or something harshly or unduly. You have just picked her to pieces. Leave her alone! The critic picked the play to pieces.
pick (someone) to pieces
To criticize sharply.