Take apart
Phrasal verb meaning and examples
The English phrasal verb TAKE APART
has the following meanings:
Take (something) apart
To disassemble something
This phrasal verb is used when you dismantle something into its component pieces.
It is when a machine or device etc. is separated into different parts,
sometimes to find out what is wrong with it.
Disassemble and dismantle are synonyms of take apart.
The mechanic took the motor apart to see what was making the noise.
They had to take the bed apart because it couldn't fit through the door.
I took my bike apart to give it a good clean.
Notice how with this meaning the object
is between the two parts of the phrasal verb.
Took the motor apart, take the bed apart,
took my bike apart, take something apart.
Take apart also means to analyze and criticize something or someone.
This is used when somebody talks about the different parts of something
such as a novel or movie in order to criticize it.
The thing or person is usually
analyzed in an effort to discover flaws or weaknesses.
The presidential candidate's proposal was taken apart in the debate.
The critics took the new play apart and left bad reviews.
My boss took apart the budget I had made by saying it was too costly for the company.
Take apart also means to easily defeat someone or a team.
The use of the phrasal verb in this way is informal.
This is another way of saying to thrash someone
or to beat them easily in a game,
usually by a large score.
Woodward United took the other team apart in last night's cup match.
We lost by a huge margin.
Their team really took us apart.
Now it's your turn. Answer this question.
Have you ever taken something apart and then you couldn't put it back together again?
Let us know in the comments section below.
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