limb from limb

“What with that and militia-men enflamed with drink, I could see J.B. and Co. being torn limb from limb when the mob finally worked up the nerve to storm the armoury, but in the meantime they were content to plaster the sheds with shot and roar blood-curdling threats.”

Flashman and the angel of the lord

“You need not bind me, Master Tibeats, I am ready to go with you anywhere", said I. One of his companions then stepped forward, swearing if I made the least resistance he would break my head — he would tear me limb from limb — he would cut my black throat — and giving wide scope to other similar expressions.”

Twelve years a slave : narrative of Solomon Northup, a citizen of New-York, kidnapped in Washington City in 1841, and rescued in 1853--,

“They remind me of the bishops at some ancient Church Council or other who tore the clothes off two right reverend consultants, and literally pulled them limb from limb in the name of Christ.”

Father Payne

“Had he chosen the lattert, I believe that they would have torn him limb from limb …”

Simon & Schuster: Barbara Bush