# rip to shreds

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rip-to-shreds
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To criticize severely; to refute.

## Examples

- The critic ripped the new movie to shreds.
- During the debate, the professor ripped the student's weak argument to shreds with a few sharp questions.
- After the senator presented his flawed proposal, the opposition leader stood up and ripped the entire plan to shreds, leaving no doubt about its failure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.