1 B2 idiomatic informal
To criticise someone very harshly and angrily.
"The manager ripped into the team for their poor performance in the first half."
inseparable
rip into
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To attack someone or something physically or verbally with great force, or to start on something — food, work, a task — with great energy.
In plain English
To attack someone very hard with words or fists, or to start eating or doing something very fast and eagerly.
What does "rip into" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To attack someone or something physically with great force.
"The bear ripped into the tent, destroying it completely."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To start doing or eating something with great energy and enthusiasm.
"We were so hungry after the hike that we ripped into the sandwiches immediately."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rip (tear) directly into something — penetrating it with force.
Actually means
To attack someone very hard with words or fists, or to start eating or doing something very fast and eagerly.
Usage tip
The attack sense is the most common in informal speech. The 'start eagerly' sense is colloquial and vivid. Often suggests unrestrained, powerful action.
Words that pair with "rip into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
opponent manager meal food report critics
How to conjugate "rip into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rip into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rips into
he/she/it
Past simple
riped into
yesterday
Past participle
riped into
have + pp
-ing form
riping into
continuous
Hear "rip into" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rip into" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.