cut to ribbons

• Etwas in viele schmale Streifen oder Stücke schneiden, oft brutal oder zerstörerisch; auch bildlich für scharfe Kritik oder völlige Vernichtung einer Person.

To cut something into many thin strips or pieces, often violently or destructively; also used figuratively to mean to criticize or defeat someone severely.

1. Physically tear or shredB2informal

   To cut something into many thin strips or pieces, often violently.

   in Stücke reißen

   • The paper was cut to ribbons by the shredder.
   • The cat cut the curtains to ribbons with its claws.
   • The explosion cut the metal fence to ribbons.

2. Criticize severelyC1informal

   To criticize someone or something very harshly, often in a public or formal setting.

   In der Luft zerreißen

   • The film critic cut the movie to ribbons in his review.
   • Her speech was cut to ribbons by the opposition party.
   • The manager cut his proposal to ribbons during the meeting.