English Reference
Idiom idiom

cut to pieces


To utterly defeat or overwhelm.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


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.”


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 August 10, 2026