picked apart
Analyzed piece by piece
To pick something apart is to examine it critically, identifying flaws, weaknesses, or errors in detail.
The phrase suggests a methodical, often harsh dissection: The committee picked apart her proposal until nothing remained.
It can apply to arguments, creative works, plans, or even people's behavior.
While sometimes the goal is constructive analysis, picked apart often carries a negative connotation of excessive or unfair criticism that leaves the subject diminished or destroyed.
- dissectCut open to examine
- piece by pieceIn separate small stages
- disassembleSeparate into parts
- interpretExtract or convey meaning
- scrutinizeInspect with close attention
fine tooth comb · overanalyze · dismantle · under the microscope · troubleshoot · deconstruct · critique · evaluate · explicate · break down · shredded · separate · inspect · strip · interrogate · probe · review · decode
- humiliationashamed, abasement, embarrassed, chagrin, mortified
- took apartdismantled, disassembled, unscrewed, unbolted, deconstructed
picked apartpraised
Expressed approval of
lauded · extolled · celebrated · applauded · commended
picked apartput together
Combine into one
assembled · built up · constructed · unified · integrated
picked, apart, pick, picks, picking, picker, pickers, unpicked, nitpick