tear apart(
tehr
uh
-
part
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g. Take out the trash.).
1. (to destroy)
a. destrozar
Winds of 175 mph tore apart most of the buildings on the island.Vientos de 175 mph destrozaron la mayoria de los edificios de la isla.
2. (figurative) (to cause dissension in)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g. carrot, bean).
a. desgarrar
A long-standing feud is threatening to tear the family apart.Una enemistad que viene de largo amenaza con desgarrar la familia.
3. (to rip to pieces)
a. hacer trizas
The waves battered the ship against the rocks and tore it apart.Las olas arrojaron el barco contra las rocas y lo hicieron trizas.
b. descuartizar
The tiger pounced on the unfortunate gazelle and tore it apart.El tigre se abalanzó sobre la pobre gacela y la descuartizó.
4. (figurative) (to upset greatly)
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g. carrot, bean).
a. desgarrar
You and your brother not talking to each other is tearing your mother apart.El hecho de que no se hablen con tu hermano está desgarrando a tu madre.
b. destruir
It tore him apart to leave his family, but he had no choice.Lo destruyó tener que dejar su familia, pero no tenía otra alternativa.
5. (to criticize)
a. poner por los suelos
His latest play has been torn apart by the critics.Los críticos pusieron por los suelos su última obra de teatro.
b. ensañarse con
Instead of tearing us apart, why doesn't the opposition come up with some constructive suggestions?En vez de arremeter contra nosotros, ¿por qué la oposición no presenta sugerencias constructivas?
tear aparttransitive verb phrase
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g. Take out the trash.).
1. (person)
a. destruir
2. (party, country)
a. desmembrar
Copyright © 2006 Harrap Publishers Limited
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