tear up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tear up’ mean?
The idiom tear up means to shred or destroy something, often referring to paper or documents. It can also mean to rip or cut into pieces. This phrase is commonly used metaphorically to describe intense emotions or the act of discarding something completely.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "tear up the pea patch" means to cause a disturbance or create trouble. It originated from the 19th century where "pea patch" referred to a garden or cultivated area. "Tear up" signifies the act of damaging or disrupting. The idiom is typically used to describe someone who is causing chaos or wreaking havoc.
The idiom "tear up the dance floor" means to dance energetically and skillfully, captivating the audience with impressive moves and enthusiasm.
The idiom "tear one's hair out" means to be extremely frustrated or stressed, often to the point of pulling on one's own hair forcefully. It is used to describe a situation where someone is feeling overwhelmed or exasperated.
The idiom "tear a cat" originates from a superstition where a loud noise might scare away evil spirits. It is used to describe making a loud and sudden noise to startle someone or disrupt a situation.
The idiom "take out the trash" means to remove or eliminate something or someone undesirable or unnecessary.
The idiom "take out an onion" means to reveal or disclose information that is hidden or secret. It implies the act of peeling away layers, just as one peels an onion to unveil its layers. The idiom is often used in contexts where someone uncovers the truth or exposes hidden motives.
The idiom "take out" means to remove something or someone from a particular place or situation.
The idiom "sweep away" means to completely remove or eliminate something, often in a forceful or dramatic manner.
The idiom "split up" means to end a relationship or partnership, resulting in two or more separate entities or individuals. It is often used to describe the dissolution of a romantic relationship or the disbandment of a group.
Linguistic Revelation
Tear up is an idiom that is commonly used in American English. When someone says "tear up," they are not referring to physically tearing or ripping something into pieces, but rather to the act of destroying or damaging something in a forceful or violent manner.
One common usage of tear up is when someone tears up documents or papers. This can mean physically tearing the documents into pieces as a way of disposing them, or it can also be used figuratively to indicate disregarding or getting rid of something. For example, someone might say "I tore up all my old love letters" to express the act of getting rid of sentimental items or memories.
Additionally, tear up can be used to describe emotional reactions or expressions. When someone is emotionally moved, they might "tear up" or have tears welling up in their eyes. This usage suggests that the emotions are so strong that they are causing the person to cry or become emotional. Similarly, tear up can describe a person crying or becoming emotional due to sadness or joy. It is often used in the context of being deeply moved by something.
Furthermore, tear up can describe the act of intentionally or unintentionally damaging or ruining something. For example, if someone accidentally spills a drink on a piece of artwork, they might say "I tore up the painting." This usage indicates the action of causing damage or destruction to the object.
Tear up is also commonly used when tearing up a contract or agreement. This can suggest nullifying or canceling the agreement, as well as disregarding or violating it.
Another related idiom to tear up is "rip to shreds." This means tearing something into tiny pieces, completely destroying it. It can be used both literally and figuratively, similar to tear up. For example, someone might say "I ripped the letter to shreds" to express the act of completely destroying a letter. This phrase emphasizes the intensity and thoroughness of the destruction.
Similarly, another related idiom to tear up is "tear up the pea patch." This phrase is less commonly used and has a more specific meaning. It is used to describe the act of tearing up a garden or farm, usually in a negative or destructive way. The phrase implies causing damage or destruction to the plants or crops in a forceful manner. It can also be used metaphorically to describe disrupting or ruining a situation or organization.
Tear up is an idiom that conveys the meaning of destroying, damaging, or disregarding something. It is used to describe both physical and emotional actions, indicating strong or intense reactions. This versatile idiom can be used in a variety of contexts where an act of destruction or emotional response is present. Additionally, related idioms such as "rip to shreds" and "tear up the pea patch" carry similar meanings and emphasize the intensity of the destruction.
Example usage
Three examples of how the idiom "tear up" can be used in a sentence are:
- Sarah was so moved by the touching speech that she started to tear up.
- The little boy accidentally tore up his homework while playing with the dog.
- The old photographs were so faded and fragile that they easily tore up when handled.
More "Verb" idioms
