take apart

verb

1. to separate (something) into component parts

2. to criticize or punish severely

   the reviewers took the new play apart

Idioms and Phrases

Dismantle or disassemble, as in They had to take apart the stereo before they could move it . This usage was first recorded in 1936.

Examine thoroughly, analyze or dissect, as in The teacher embarrassed Tom by taking his thesis apart in front of the class . [Mid-1900s]

Beat up, thrash, as in You'd better be careful; those boys will take you apart . [ Slang ; mid-1900s]

Related Words

• batter 
• decimate 
• demolish 
• destroy 
• devastate 
• impair 
• injure 
• mangle 
• mar 
• ravage 
• raze 
• ruin 
• sabotage 
• shatter 
• sink 
• smash 
• spoil 
• torpedo 
• trash 
• undermine