cut to ribbons

• Découper ou déchirer quelque chose en de nombreux morceaux minces, souvent de manière violente ou destructrice ; s'emploie aussi au sens figuré pour une critique très sévère ou une défaite totale.

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.

   mettre en pièces

   • 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.

   tailler en pièces

   • 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.