The idiom "makes mincemeat of" means to utterly defeat or destroy someone or something. Although the spelling of this phrase may seem confusing at first, it follows regular English spelling rules. "Mincemeat" is spelled as it sounds, with the "ea" representing the long "e" sound. The "s" at the end of "makes" indicates its third person singular present tense form. Together, the phrase is pronounced /ˈmeɪks ˈmɪnsmit əv/. Its origins date back to the 16th century, when mincemeat was commonly used in pies that were easily cut into pieces.
The phrase "makes mincemeat of" is an idiomatic expression that typically signifies the complete and effortless defeat or destruction of something or someone. Rooted in culinary origins, where "mincemeat" refers to a mixture of finely chopped meat and spices, this phrase metaphorically implies the process of rendering something into a pulpy consistency.
When used in a figurative sense, "makes mincemeat of" suggests an overwhelming or overpowering victory, often involving a great disparity in skill, strength, or ability. It emphasizes a swift and decisive triumph, leaving the opposing party in disarray or complete disintegration.
This expression can be applied in a wide range of contexts, spanning various domains such as sports, debates, discussions, or conflicts. For instance, a highly skilled tennis player may "make mincemeat" of an amateur opponent, defeating them effortlessly and without strain. Similarly, one might use this phrase to describe a powerful orator who utterly dismantles an opposing argument during a debate, leaving their opponent speechless or completely undermined.
Overall, "makes mincemeat of" encapsulates the notion of domination, where the victorious party emerges victorious by overpowering or overwhelming their competition, effectively reducing them to a fragmented and insignificant state.