cut something to ribbons

cut (someone or something) to ribbons

1. Literally, to badly cut or gash someone or something. Kids, get away from the broken window—all that glass could cut you to ribbons!2. To judge or criticize someone or something harshly. I thought I had done a good job on the project, but my boss just cut me to ribbons, pointing out every little thing I had overlooked.See also: cut, ribbon

cut (or tear) something to ribbons

1 cut (or tear) something so badly that only ragged strips remain. 2 damage something severely.See also: cut, ribbon, something