tear it

Idioms  

1. Ruin something, spoil one's chances, as in She knew she'd torn it when she lost the address. It is often put as that tears it, as in He's a whole week late—well, that tears it for the September issue. [Colloquial; early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

tear it

“The media industry is a growth driver for the AI economy, and those that tear it down—those that are stealing IP—are hurting growth,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 8, 2026

Unfortunately, rebuilding the agency will not be nearly as easy as it was for Musk and his minions to tear it down.

From Slate ● Apr. 23, 2026

Don’t overthink it — tear it open and let it fall into the tomato, the creamy stracciatella spilling into every crevice.

From Salon ● Jun. 30, 2025

"We want to build trust, not tear it down."

From BBC ● Apr. 12, 2025

With a maniacal look in her eye, Lady Constance slit open each letter, quickly skimmed its contents, and then proceeded to tear it into bits, which she carelessly let fall to the floor.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood