What does "pick apart" mean (sense 1)?

To examine something in great detail, especially in order to find its flaws or weaknesses. Example: "The examiner picked apart every section of the student's thesis during the viva."

What does "pick apart" mean (sense 2)?

To criticise something or someone harshly and in fine detail. Example: "The film critics picked the new blockbuster apart in their reviews."

What does "pick apart" mean (sense 3)?

To physically separate something by pulling it into pieces. Example: "The child picked the toy apart to see how it worked inside."

Browse all

pick apart

B2 neutral separable transitive

To analyse or criticise something in very close detail, finding every flaw.

In plain English

To examine something very carefully and find everything wrong with it.

What does "pick apart" mean?

3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B2 idiomatic neutral

common

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."

separable

2 B2 idiomatic neutral

common

To criticise something or someone harshly and in fine detail.

"The film critics picked the new blockbuster apart in their reviews."

separable

3 B1 neutral

uncommon

To physically separate something by pulling it into pieces.

"The child picked the toy apart to see how it worked inside."

separable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To pick at something until it falls apart into pieces.

Actually means

To examine something very carefully and find everything wrong with it.

Usage tip

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.

Words that pair with "pick apart"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

argument essay theory plan performance proposal

How to conjugate "pick apart"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base

pick apart

I/you/we/they

3rd person

picks apart

he/she/it

Past simple

picked apart

yesterday

Past participle

picked apart

have + pp

-ing form

picking apart

continuous

Hear "pick apart" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "pick apart" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "pick apart"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

analyse critically deconstruct dissect pull apart scrutinise tear apart

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.

All phrasal verbs with "pick" All phrasal verbs with "apart" More B2-level phrasal verbs