tearing into
Verbally ripping apart
Tearing into means attacking something with aggressive energy.
You might tear into a meal when hungry, tear into an opponent in debate, or tear into a pile of work.
The phrase suggests vigorous, even violent engagement: The critics tore into the film.
A parent might tear into a misbehaving child with harsh words.
- rippingTearing with force
- shreddingCutting into thin pieces
- piece by pieceIn separate small stages
- attackingActively engaging offensively
- going to townEnthusiastically exceeding expectations
devouring · clawing · savaging · biting · gnashing · criticizing · lambasting · chewing out · demolishing · ferocious · fangs · teeth · paper · flesh · rage · hunger · ravenous · assault
- eatingchewing, biting, swallowing, nibbling, munching
- reproofsscolding, rebuke, reprimand, admonishment, admonition
tearing intopraising
Voicing admiration
complimenting · lauding · applauding · commending · constructive criticism
tearing intomending
Restoring damaged items
repairing · patching up · preserving · protecting · piecing together
tearing intopicking at
Touching repeatedly, absently
nibbling · savoring · pecking at · toying with · grazing