1
general::
Phrase(s): take something apart
1. Lit. to disassemble something. (See also take someone apart.) • Bobby took his bicycle apart. • You take apart everything that is mechanical. 2. Fig. to damage or ruin something. • The wreck took both cars apart. • The high wind took apart the roof and the fence. 3. Fig. to criticize something severely. • The critic took the play apart. • The teacher took apart John’s essay in front of the class., Phrase(s): take someone apart
1. Sl. to beat someone up. (See also take something apart.) • Don’t talk to me that way, or I’ll take you apart. • He was so mad that I thought he was going to take apart all of us. 2. Inf. to criticize or defame someone or something. • They really took me apart, but I just ignore bad reviews. • The editorial took apart the entire city government.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Dismantle or disassemble, as in They had to take apart the stereo before they could move it. This usage was first recorded in 1936. 2. Examine thoroughly, analyze or dissect, as in The teacher embarrassed Tom by taking his thesis apart in front of the class. [Mid-1900s] 3. Beat up, thrash, as in You'd better be careful; those boys will take you apart. [Slang; mid-1900s]
American Heritage Idioms