on a tear

1. Very active, often suddenly. A: "Why is mom cleaning every room in the house?" B: "Oh, she's been on a tear ever since she saw a mouse in the basement this morning." Well, your grandmother is on an earlier flight, so I've been on a tear trying to get everything ready for her arrival.

2. Drinking heavily. A: "I didn't expect Pete to be drunk already!" B: "Oh, he's been on a tear all day."