reduces to rubble
Levels a structure
Reduces to rubble means to destroy something so thoroughly that only broken fragments remain.
The phrase applies literally to buildings demolished by bombs, earthquakes, or wrecking crews: The earthquake reduced the city center to rubble.
Figuratively, it describes devastating someone's argument, reputation, or hopes: Cross-examination reduced his testimony to rubble.
- demolishDestroy completely
- tear downDestroy a structure
- disintegrateBreak into fragments
- bulldozerBladed vehicle pushing earth
- devastationSevere widespread destruction
total destruction · raze · level to the ground · ruins · wreckage · pulverize · shatter · wrecking ball · knock down · obliterate · ashes · remnants · fragments · dynamite · ground zero · battering ram · crumble · explosives
reduces to rubblebuilds
Creates by assembling parts
constructs · erects · builds up · rebuilds · reconstructs
reduces to rubblerestores
Returns to previous state
rebuilds · renovates · repairs · rehabilitates · reconstructs
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