tear at
Idioms-
Pull at or attack violently, as in Jane eagerly tore at the wrapping paper , or The dog tore at the meat . [Mid-1800s]
-
Distress, as in Their plight tore at his heart .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And I think that, as a result, it is beginning to actually tear at the fabric of who we are as Americans.
From Slate ● May 26, 2026
"I actually sat down and shed a tear at the colour of the water," Mr Elves said.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2025
I mean even though this is a depressing opera, the music is thrilling and I know I’m going to shed a tear at the end.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 16, 2025
Indiana University Media School professor Jason Peifer summarized at a public event on the subject that dramatic cuts to local newspapers tear at the fabric connecting communities.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 2, 2024
I write Accidents, Winter, Ice, and Bridge, and tear at the paper until it’s only dust.
From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
