tore someone a new one
Verbally ripped apart
To tear someone a new one is to criticize or berate them severely and aggressively, often in a way that leaves them humiliated.
The full vulgar form is "tear someone a new asshole," suggesting criticism so brutal it rips open a new bodily orifice.
The expression is common in informal speech and usually describes an authority figure unleashing on a subordinate.
The coach tore him a new one after he fumbled the ball.
My boss is going to tear me a new one when she sees these numbers.
- shoutingVocally projecting loudly
- humiliationLoss of dignity
- lambasteScold with ferocity
- excoriateSeverely criticize or censure
- rebukeExpress sharp disapproval
reprimand · read the riot act · yelling · rip into · lay into · chastise · embarrassment · berate · chew out · upbraid · scold · give an earful · reaming · argument · ranting · raving · confrontation · dressing-down
tore someone a new onehandled with kid gloves
Treated with excessive caution
soft-pedaled · let slide · bit one's tongue · let off the hook · sugarcoated