cut to pieces
The phrase "cut to pieces" can be used both literally and figuratively, describing either physical dismemberment or a thorough defeat.
Definition
B2General
(literal)To divide or dismember something into smaller parts using a sharp tool.
Example
- The butcher cut the meat to pieces for easier packaging.
C1Conflict
(idiomatic)To completely defeat or overwhelm someone or something.
Example
- The army was cut to pieces in the surprise attack.
- Her arguments were cut to pieces during the debate.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cut to pieces":
to piecescut upcut intorip to shredscut down to sizeto bitschop upcut to the quickgo to piecescut throughcut intear apartcut belowchop outcut abovecut downcut outcut like a knifecut awayget the choplimb from limbchop offchop it upcut offdeep cutcut shorttear upslice and dicedeath by a thousand cutscut acrosshack offpiece outin tatterspick apartcut oneselfmake mincemeat out ofpaper cutrip upcarve upsaw offcut some shapestore upcut and runfall to piecesput to the swordrip intobeat to a pulppiece of someoneprime cuttear it upcut buddychop downhack awayblow apartrip out