pick apart
To examine something very carefully and find everything wrong with it.
Meanings
To examine something in great detail, especially in order to find its flaws or weaknesses.
"The examiner picked apart every section of the student's thesis during the viva."
To criticise something or someone harshly and in fine detail.
"The film critics picked the new blockbuster apart in their reviews."
To physically separate something by pulling it into pieces.
"The child picked the toy apart to see how it worked inside."
Often used in academic, journalistic, and critical contexts. Can refer to taking apart an argument, a plan, or a creative work. Can be used literally (physically separating parts) but the critical/analytical sense is far more common. Has a slightly negative connotation when applied to people's work, suggesting harsh scrutiny.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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