take apart

To separate something into the pieces it is made from.

• Do not take the toy apart.
• She took apart the old engine to clean it.
• Can you take this shelf apart?

How to use it: take something apart (He took the radio apart to repair it.)

Similar words: dismantle, disassemble

Opposites: assemble

Common phrases: take apart something, take apart a clock

To defeat an opponent by a large amount or with little difficulty.

• Our team took them apart.
• The home side took apart the visitors in the final.
• Can they take apart another top team this weekend?

How to use it: take someone/something apart (The champions took their opponents apart.)

Similar words: crush, thrash, trounce

Common phrases: take apart someone, take apart a team

To point out many faults in someone or their work, often harshly.

• The critic took his book apart.
• She took apart every argument in his speech.
• Why did the newspaper take the young actor apart?

How to use it: take someone/something apart (The reviewer took the film apart.)

Similar words: tear apart, attack, criticize

Opposites: praise

Common phrases: take apart someone, take apart an argument