noun
tearing limb from limb; dismemberment; cutting to pieces
Literally 'tearing into eight pieces'; a vivid expression for brutal dismemberment or tearing apart, often used figuratively for harsh criticism or destruction.
昔の刑罰には八つ裂きのような残酷なものもあった。
In the past, there were cruel punishments like tearing a person limb from limb.
彼の提案は会議で八つ裂きにされた。
His proposal was torn to pieces at the meeting.