tear it

Idioms  

1. Ruin something, spoil one's chances, as in She knew she'd torn it when she lost the address. It is often put as that tears it, as in He's a whole week late—well, that tears it for the September issue. [Colloquial; early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Their latest attempt to rectify that situation with Justin Fields has gone so disastrously that general manager Darren Mougey, in his first year in charge, felt compelled to tear it all down.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 5, 2025

“The Rat Race” is a nod at Carrie’s discovery that her courtyard’s garden is infested with vermin, forcing her to tear it out and start over.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2025

Now, with a trial looming in March, Polizzi is preparing to tear it down rather than spend thousands more defending it in court.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2025

Acquire a property, tear it down, rebuild and win.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2025

Completely frazzled, Reynie laid down his pencil and glanced over at Sticky—who was glaring at his quiz as if he wanted to tear it up and toss it into a fire.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart