pick apart

phrasal verb

picked apart; picking apart; picks apart

chiefly US

: to say all of the things that are bad or wrong about (someone or something) : to criticize (a person or thing) in a very detailed and usually unkind way

You can expect political analysts to pick apart the governor's speech.

The film's critics picked his performance apart.

Examples of pick apart in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

While Democratic nominee and incumbent Vice President is yet to concede her loss, across America are already picking apart what went wrong for her campaign, which began in the summer following President 's exit from the race. —

Aliss Higham, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Fans picked apart each episode week by week, relishing the opportunity to solve the mysteries surrounding the island and the Dharma Initiative that once called it home. —

Jen Chaney, Vulture, 4 July 2024 The Lions picked apart the Green Bay Packers yesterday in rainy conditions to take control of the NFC North with a 24-14 win. —

Joe Guillen, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 Safety Devon Key was picked apart by Lamar Jackson, giving up three catches for 98 yards and a passer rating of 158.3, according to Next Gen Stats. —

Ryan McFadden, The Denver Post, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pick apart