ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cut to pieces

idiom
Meaning

To utterly defeat or overwhelm.


Examples
SIMPLE

The champion cut his opponent to pieces in the final round.

CONTEXTUAL

The experienced team cut the newcomers to pieces during the tournament, winning by a huge score.

COMPLEX

The harsh critic cut the author's new novel to pieces, highlighting every flaw in the plot and character development.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    chess piece

    A person being manipulated by another, being used to some end.

  2. 02

    clear cut

    Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.

  3. 03

    cut a dash

    To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.

  4. 04

    cut a deal

    To reach a negotiated agreement.

  5. 05

    cut a figure

    To present an image; to make an impression.

  6. 06

    cut a rug

    To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.

  7. 07

    cut a swath

    Alternative form of cut a wide swath.

  8. 08

    cut a wide swath

    To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.

Last updated April 17, 2026