1 B2 idiomatic informal
To criticise or attack someone verbally with great force and anger.
"The manager tore into the players after their poor performance in the first half."
inseparable
tear into
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To attack someone verbally, to begin eating or working with great energy, or to physically rip into something.
In plain English
To really go at something hard — like yelling at someone, eating food super fast, or starting a task with tons of energy.
What does "tear into" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To begin eating something with great enthusiasm and energy.
"The children tore into the birthday cake the moment it was placed on the table."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To start a task or activity with great force and enthusiasm.
"She tore into the pile of paperwork as soon as she arrived at the office."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To rip or burst forcefully into the interior of something.
Actually means
To really go at something hard — like yelling at someone, eating food super fast, or starting a task with tons of energy.
Usage tip
Has both aggressive (verbal attack) and enthusiastic (eating, working) connotations depending on context. The verbal attack sense is common in arguments and sports commentary.
Words that pair with "tear into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
food meal opponent work task critic
How to conjugate "tear into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tear into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tears into
he/she/it
Past simple
tore into
yesterday
Past participle
torn into
have + pp
-ing form
tearing into
continuous
Hear "tear into" in the wild
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Other ways to say "tear into"
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