To tear sb. a new one?
Posted by RRC on June 09, 2006
In Reply to: To tear sb. a new one? posted by pamela on June 09, 2006
: : does anyone know this:to tear sb. a new one?and what does it mean?
: : thank you for your help!
: I've only heard the first part "to tear sb", meaning to vigorously criticise someone (often behind their back). I think it comes from "tearing strips off someone". But this doesn't make sense in the context of "to tear sb a new one". Pamela
The full version used in a sentence would be: I'm so mad at you that I'm going "to tear/rip you a new *sshole". Not meant literally, but it is a threat of violence.
- To tear sb. a new one? Bob 09/June/06