The phrasal verb "rips up" means to tear or shred something into small pieces. It is spelled using the IPA symbols [rɪps ʌp]. The first syllable "rips" is pronounced with an initial voiced alveolar trill [r] followed by a short vowel [ɪ] and a voiceless alveolar plosive [p]. The second syllable "up" is pronounced with a short vowel [ʌ] and a voiceless bilabial plosive [p]. It is important to note the letter "s" in the word "rips" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative [s].
The phrase "rips up" is a commonly used idiom in English, with multiple connotations depending on the context in which it is used. Primarily, it refers to the act of tearing or shredding an object or material into pieces through a forceful and vigorous action. This expression often implies a sense of destruction or violence, suggesting the tearing apart of something with strength or aggression.
However, "rips up" can also be used metaphorically in a non-literal sense. In this sense, it refers to forcefully and decisively undoing or destroying something, such as a plan, project, or document. When applied to plans or projects, "rips up" signifies canceling or abandoning them, often because they prove inefficient, unachievable, or inadequate. In the case of a document, "rips up" denotes an action of tearing the paper into fragments, symbolizing nullifying or disregarding its contents.
Overall, "rips up" is a versatile idiom that can describe both physical and metaphorical actions. Its common uses range from tearing objects apart physically to scrapping or undoing plans, projects, or documents. Nonetheless, the specific meaning and nuances of this expression can vary depending on the context in which it is employed.
The verb phrase "rips up" comes from the combination of the verb "rip" and the preposition "up".
The word "rip" dates back to the early 14th century and is believed to be derived from the Old Norse word "ripa", meaning "to tear apart". It originally referred to the act of tearing or cleaving something forcefully. Over time, "rip" developed additional meanings, including "to cut or sever", "to slash", or "to tear open".
The preposition "up" dates back to Middle English and has a general sense of "motion against gravity". It can imply an upward direction, completion, removal, or destruction.
When the verb "rip" is combined with the preposition "up", it intensifies the action of tearing, cutting, or destroying something into pieces or shreds.