What Does โRiddle sb sth with sthโ Mean?
โRiddle sb sth with sthโ means to fill someone or something with a large number of holes, usually caused by bullets or other projectiles.
Introduction
The phrasal verb โRiddle sb sth with sthโ is often used to describe situations where something or someone is pierced repeatedly or heavily by something sharp or destructive. The phrase is common in both literal and figurative contexts, especially in descriptions involving damage or intense impact. Understanding the Riddle sb sth with sth meaning helps learners recognize how to use it correctly in everyday speech and writing.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Riddle somebody something with something
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To make many holes in someone or something with something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
This phrasal verb is transitive and inseparable. You cannot separate the parts of the verb with the object.
Pattern:
- Riddle + somebody + something + with + something
- Example: The attacker riddled the car with bullets.
How to Use Riddle sb sth with sth?
You use โriddle sb sth with sthโ when describing a person, object, or surface that has been pierced or damaged by many holes. The first โsthโ is usually a person or object receiving the damage, and the second โsthโ refers to the thing causing the holes, often bullets, arrows, or similar projectiles.
Examples
Imagine a scene in an action movie where a car is shot multiple times.
- The police car was riddled with bullets after the chase.
- His jacket was riddled with holes from the barbed wire.
- The old building was riddled with cracks after the earthquake.
- Her explanation was riddled with errors, making it hard to understand.
- Riddle sb sth with sth in a sentence: The walls were riddled with bullet holes after the attack.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the order of words or use the verb with incorrect prepositions.
- Incorrect: The car was riddled with bullets by him.
- Correct: He riddled the car with bullets.
- Incorrect: She riddled with bullets the jacket.
- Correct: She riddled the jacket with bullets.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar verbs include โpierce,โ โpepper,โ and โpockmark.โ
- Pierce: Usually means to make a single hole or cut.
- Pepper: Often used when something is hit repeatedly, like bullets, but can be less intense than โriddle.โ
- Pockmark: Refers to marking a surface with many small holes or scars, often from disease or damage.
โRiddleโ implies many holes and heavy damage, usually from a violent source.
Common Collocations
Here are some common objects and causes used with โriddle sb sth with sthโ:
- Bullets: To describe gunfire damage.
- Arrows: Often in historical or fantasy contexts.
- Holes: General term for openings or gaps.
- Cracks: Damage to surfaces like walls or glass.
- Errors: Used figuratively to mean many mistakes.
Real-life Dialogue
Hereโs a short conversation using the phrasal verb:
Anna: Did you see the news about the robbery?
Ben: Yes, they said the getaway car was riddled with bullets.
Anna: That sounds intense. I hope no one was seriously hurt.
Practice
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrasal verb:
- The soldier __________ the enemy vehicle __________ bullets during the battle.
- Choose the correct option:
- a) riddled / with
- b) riddled / by
- c) riddled / of
FAQ
- Q: Can โriddle sb sth with sthโ be used figuratively?
A: Yes, it can describe many mistakes or problems in something. - Q: Is this phrasal verb formal or informal?
A: It is mostly neutral but often used in news or storytelling. - Q: Can I separate the phrasal verb?
A: No, it is inseparable; the object cannot come between โriddleโ and โwith.โ - Q: What kind of objects can be โriddledโ?
A: People, cars, walls, clothing, or even abstract things like explanations. - Q: What is the origin of โriddleโ in this phrase?
A: It comes from the word โriddleโ meaning to pierce or perforate with holes.
