ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pick at

idiom
Meaning

To touch, grab, handle, or pull tentatively or gingerly, using a utensil or one's fingers.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't pick at your food if you aren't hungry.

CONTEXTUAL

She was so nervous during the interview that she kept picking at the loose thread on her sleeve.

COMPLEX

The child sat quietly in the corner, picking at the peeling paint on the old wooden chair while the adults argued.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    captain's pick

    A decision made by a leader without consulting others.

  2. 02

    have a bone to pick

    To have a complaint or grievance (with somebody); to have a contentious issue to discuss.

  3. 03

    pick apart

    To review or analyse in great detail

  4. 04

    pick corners

    To choose a preference (as in predicting which boxer will win a match).

  5. 05

    pick holes

    To find weaknesses, errors or imperfections (in).

  6. 06

    pick of the litter

    The best person or item in a group; the best that one has to offer.

  7. 07

    pick on someone your own size

    An admonition of cowardice, usually said to make someone cease harassing or bullying someone else, especially where the bullied party is physically smaller or weaker than the bully.

  8. 08

    pick one's battles

    To involve oneself in disputes only if one is likely to win.

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