pick apart

To criticize something by pointing out faults, especially small ones.

• He picks apart everything I write.
• The critics picked apart her first film.
• Why must you pick my plans apart before trying them?

How to use it: pick something apart (The reviewers picked her proposal apart.)

Similar words: criticize, find fault with, nitpick

Opposites: praise

Common phrases: pick apart plans, pick apart something

To examine something carefully by looking at its separate parts or details.

• We picked apart the report.
• The researchers picked apart the data to understand the results.
• Can you help me pick this complicated sentence apart?

How to use it: pick something apart (The students picked the argument apart in class.)

Similar words: analyse, examine, dissect

Common phrases: pick apart evidence, pick apart something

To separate something into small pieces using your fingers or a tool.

• She picked apart the bread.
• He picked the cooked meat apart with two forks.
• I carefully picked apart the loose stitching.

How to use it: pick something apart (She picked the old seam apart with a needle.)

Similar words: pull apart, take apart

Opposites: assemble

Common phrases: pick apart something, pick apart seams

To defeat or break through an opponent by using skill and finding their weaknesses.

• Our forwards picked apart their defence.
• The quarterback picked the opposing team apart with short passes.
• She used precise shots to pick her opponent apart.

How to use it: pick someone/something apart (Their quick passing picked the defence apart.)

Similar words: outplay, outclass

Common phrases: pick apart defences, pick apart opponents