Dictionary
Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.
take apart en · VERB
Meanings
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Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see take, apart. ▸ To dismantle something into its component pieces.
I carefully took the clock mechanism apart to clean it.
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(archaic) Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see take, apart. ▸ To move someone away from others to be able to talk to, or give them something in private.
....then went close up to him, and took him apart into a dark corner. "I say," he began, with a thoughtful brow, "haven't I seen you before
1868, Charles Dickens, Barnaby Rudge:
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(informal) To soundly defeat someone, or a (sport) team.
And besides, I was also enjoying the way you took them apart. You know, arguing with them like you did.
2001, by Orson Scott Card, Shadow of the Hegemon, page 143:Argentine defender Martinez, normally so reliable and combative, was taken apart, especially when Salah led him a merry dance to set up Gakpo to settle the game with Liverpool's third five minutes after half-time.
2023 March 5, Phil McNulty, “Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United”, in BBC Sport:
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to criticise someone
For nearly an hour, I took them apart for failing to understand, connect with, empathize with, and listen to the American people.?
2007, Frank Luntz, Words That Work, page 150:
Forms
Synonyms
tear apart