Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the idiom "Pick to pieces" as used in critical analysis.

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on the idiom "pick to pieces". Such idioms frequently appear in reviews, news articles, and everyday conversation, especially when people are judging a speech, plan, or performance. Knowing the figurative meaning helps you interpret criticism and evaluation in English texts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The idiom given is "Pick to pieces".
• The options are "Study something superficially", "Complete a work entirely", "Analyse critically", and "Select only what you need".
• The idiom is used figuratively and not about literally picking physical pieces.
• We must choose the meaning that best fits common usage.

Concept / Approach:
The phrase "pick to pieces" suggests pulling something apart bit by bit to examine every part. Figuratively, it is used when someone criticises or analyses something in great detail, often pointing out many faults. Our task is to connect this image with the most suitable option, which will express careful and often negative analysis rather than casual study, completion, or selective taking.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "pick to pieces" is used for intense critical examination, such as when reviewers examine a film or opponents examine a proposal.Step 2: Compare this idea with "Analyse critically". This option captures both close examination and evaluation, which matches the idiom perfectly.Step 3: Consider "Study something superficially". The word "superficially" means without depth, which is the opposite of the idiom's intention.Step 4: Consider "Complete a work entirely". That relates to finishing tasks, not analysing them.Step 5: Consider "Select only what you need". This is closer to picking out items, not picking something "to pieces" for criticism.Step 6: So, "Analyse critically" is clearly the best match.

Verification / Alternative check:
Imagine these example sentences: "The committee picked his report to pieces" and "The critics picked the film to pieces". In both, the sense is that the people involved examined the work in exhaustive detail, highlighting mistakes or weaknesses. They did not just study it lightly, finish it, or choose certain parts. These contexts confirm that the idiom refers to severe and detailed criticism or analysis.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "Study something superficially", is almost the reverse of what the idiom means, since "picking to pieces" implies depth, not superficiality.
Option B, "Complete a work entirely", deals with the act of finishing a task rather than examining or criticising it.
Option D, "Select only what you need", imagines picking useful parts, which may be true of some other idioms, but does not represent the established meaning of this phrase.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse idioms that involve "pick" or "pieces", treating them as if they were literal. Others may guess based on partial associations without recalling actual usage. The best way to avoid confusion is to learn idioms with example sentences and to pay attention to the emotional tone: "pick to pieces" nearly always has a critical, not positive, flavour.

Final Answer:
The idiom "Pick to pieces" means "analyse critically", so option C is correct.