Formal and Informal Expressions of flay

In different contexts, you can replace 'flay' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'criticize, condemn' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'rip into, tear apart' is a commonplace synonym.

flay: Explore its Definition & Usage

flay Definition

1to remove the skin from a person or animal's body
2to criticize someone severely

Using flay: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "flay" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The hunter flayed the deer to prepare it for cooking.
Example
The coach flayed the team for their poor performance in the game.
Example
He was flayed alive by his critics for his controversial statement.

flay Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for flay

Antonyms for flay

Phrases with flay

flay alive
to criticize or punish someone severely
Example
He was afraid that his boss would flay him alive for missing the deadline.
flay open
to expose something unpleasant or embarrassing
Example
The investigation flayed open the corruption within the company.
flay to the bone
to criticize someone harshly and without mercy
Example
The journalist flayed the politician's policies to the bone in her article.

Origins of flay

from Old English 'flean', meaning 'to skin or strip off'

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Summary: flay in Brief

'Flay' [fleɪ] is a verb that means to remove the skin from a person or animal's body, or to criticize someone severely. It can be used literally, as in 'The hunter flayed the deer to prepare it for cooking,' or figuratively, as in 'The coach flayed the team for their poor performance in the game.' The phrase 'flay alive' denotes severe criticism or punishment, while 'flay open' means to expose something unpleasant or embarrassing.