cut to ribbons

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Verb phrase: - To defeat or destroy someone or something completely and decisively, often in a competitive context such as a debate, argument, or sports match. It implies a thorough and overwhelming victory.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe a situation where one party is made to appear completely ineffective or is soundly beaten by another. It is often used in informal or figurative contexts to emphasize the totality of the defeat.

Examples
  • In a debate:
  • In sports commentary:
  • In a critique:
Advanced Usage
  • The phrase can be used in various tenses by conjugating the verb "cut."
    • Past: Our debate team was cut to ribbons in the finals last year.
    • Future: If we're not prepared, they will cut us to ribbons in the negotiation.
Variants and Related Words
  • Cut to pieces: A very similar idiom with the same meaning of defeating or criticizing severely.
  • Tear apart: To criticize someone or something very harshly.
  • Annihilate: To defeat utterly (more formal and direct).
Synonyms
  • Demolish
  • Destroy
  • Thrash
  • Rout
  • Vanquish
Related Idioms
  • Make mincemeat of: To defeat or destroy someone completely.
    • The chess grandmaster made mincemeat of the local champion.
  • Wipe the floor with: To defeat someone very easily and completely.
    • The veteran team wiped the floor with the newcomers.
Verb
  1. defeat totally
    • We must cut the other team to ribbons!