Cut to ribbons Meaning in English
expression
ˈkət/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈɹɪbənz
KUHT tuh RIB-uhnz
kˈʌt/ /tˈuː/ /ɹˈɪbənz
KUHT too RIB-uhnz
Definition
To damage or destroy something completely by cutting it into many small pieces. It can also mean to severely criticize or defeat someone.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal and often figurative. Common in descriptions of physical destruction ('the sails were cut to ribbons') or harsh criticism ('the report was cut to ribbons'). 'Ribbons' here means 'thin strips'. Not used literally for actual ribbons.
Spanish: hecho trizas - destrozado - cortado en pedazosPortuguese (BR): reduzido a tiras - despedaçadoPortuguese (PT): reduzido a tiras - despedaçadoChinese (Simplified): 被切成碎片 - 被撕成条Chinese (Traditional): 被切成碎片 - 被撕成條Hindi: टुकड़ों में काटना - चिथड़े कर देनाArabic: ممزق إلى أشلاء - قُطع إربًاBengali: টুকরো টুকরো করাRussian: разорван на куски - искрошенJapanese: ズタズタに切るVietnamese: xé nát - cắt thành mảnh vụnKorean: 산산조각 내다Turkish: paramparça etmekUrdu: ٹکڑوں میں کاٹناIndonesian: dicacah-cacah - dihancurkan
Example Sentences
The storm cut the roof to ribbons.
basic
The paper was cut to ribbons by the scissors.
basic
The enemy's attack cut the army to ribbons.
basic
Her presentation was cut to ribbons by the critics.
natural
That new movie got cut to ribbons in the reviews.
natural
The team's defense was cut to ribbons by the opposition's attack.
natural