cut to ribbons

• Cortar algo em muitas tiras finas ou pedaços, frequentemente de forma violenta ou destrutiva; também usado em sentido figurado para indicar crítica severa ou derrota completa de alguém.

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.

   Cortar em tiras

   • 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.

   Criticar ferozmente

   • 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.