rend one's garments

From the biblical and Jewish practice of keriah, the tearing of clothes when in mourning.

• "Yes, my friends, it is amusing to see these new dealers wring their hands and rend their garments on account of the distress of the great army of underprivileged in our country."
• "Rosenblatt never sawed the air or rent his garments. When he began his essay, he knew how he meant to end it."
• "I feel much the same as I watch the mining magnates wringing their hands, rending their garments and uttering up their piteous cries about the horrors of the resources super profits tax."
• "Remember, after “The Decision,” when the people of Cleveland took to the streets, lost their ever-loving minds, rended their garments, cried into their pierogies, and burned their LeBron jerseys? And everyone was like LeBron will never be welcomed back here!"