take to pieces
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Not infrequently I take to pieces a fine clock or watch and fail to find anything the matter with it, and yet it will not go as it should.
From Christopher and the Clockmakers by Stecher, William F. (William Frederick)
"Yet," he proceeds, "those despicable clothes had, at different periods of time, bedecked real lords and dukes," and were of considerable value, if only to strip of their decorations and take to pieces.
From A Book of the Play Studies and Illustrations of Histrionic Story, Life, and Character by Cook, Dutton
When he was only twelve years old he was able to take to pieces and reset the family clock and a patent lever watch, using no tool for this purpose but his pocket-knife.
From Great Fortunes, and How They Were Made by McCabe, James Dabney
He who, in an enlightened and literary society, aspires to be a great poet must first become a little child, he must take to pieces the whole web of his mind.
From Critical and Historical Essays — Volume 1 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron
Analysis was to take to pieces everything he found, and find out how it was made.
From Madam How and Lady Why by Kingsley, Charles
