tear into (someone or something)

tear into (someone or something)

1. To begin violently or aggressively eating something. I was so hungry that I tore into the cheap hamburger like it was the most delicious thing I'd ever eaten. I looked away when the wolves began to tear into their prey.2. To criticize or reproach someone or something in a severe and merciless manner. The boss tore into me for how I bungled the Jefferson account. I can hear Mom tearing into Dad again about his gambling.See also: tear

tear into someone or something

to attack someone or something; to attack someone or something with the intent of eating someone or something. The wolves tore into the hunter and injured him severely. The kids tore into the cake and ate it all.See also: tear

tear into someone

Fig. to scold someone severely; to attack someone with criticism. I was late, and the boss tore into me like a mad dog. I don't know why she tore into me. I was at work when the window was broken.See also: tear

tear into something

Fig. to begin eating food with gusto. The family tore into the mountain of food like they hadn't eaten since breakfastwhich was true, in fact. Jimmy tore into the turkey leg and cleaned it off in no time.See also: tear

tear into some place

to run or race into a place. The kids tore into the house and knocked over a lamp. Kelly tore into the boss's office and put the papers on the desk.See also: place, tear

tear into

v. To attack someone or something with great vigor or violence: The bear tore into the meat. The boxer tore into his opponent at the match.See also: tear

tear into a place

in. to run or rush into a place. I tore into the office and answered the phone. See also: place, tear

tear into someone

in. to scold someone severely; to attack someone. I was late, and the super tore into me like a mad dog. See also: someone, tear

tear into something

in. to begin eating food with gusto. The family tore into the mountain of food like they hadn’t eaten since breakfast—which was true, in fact. Jimmy tore into the turkey leg and cleaned it off in no time. See also: something, tear