tear into

B2 informal inseparable transitive

In simple words

To really go at something hard — like yelling at someone, eating food super fast, or starting a task with tons of energy.

Literal meaning: To rip or burst forcefully into the interior of something.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

common

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."

Grammar: inseparable

2 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To begin eating something with great enthusiasm and energy.

"The children tore into the birthday cake the moment it was placed on the table."

Grammar: inseparable

3 B2 idiomatic informal

uncommon

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."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Has both aggressive (verbal attack) and enthusiastic (eating, working) connotations depending on context. The verbal attack sense is common in arguments and sports commentary.

Commonly used with

food meal opponent work task critic

Forms

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

Understand "tear into" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

lay into rip into attack launch into blast pitch into

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "tear into" on Looplines