pick up the pace
To begin moving or working faster.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We need to pick up the pace to arrive on time.”
“The project deadline is tomorrow, so we really need to pick up the pace if we want to finish.”
“As the storm clouds gathered on the horizon, the hikers realized they had to pick up the pace to reach the safety of the cabin before nightfall.”
- 01
captain's pick
A decision made by a leader without consulting others.
- 02
change of pace
A shift from one activity to another
- 03
handbags at ten paces
Synonym of handbags at dawn (“a catty squabble”).
- 04
have a bone to pick
To have a complaint or grievance (with somebody); to have a contentious issue to discuss.
- 05
keep pace
To run at the same speed as a pacesetter
- 06
pick apart
To review or analyse in great detail
- 07
pick at
To touch, grab, handle, or pull tentatively or gingerly, using a utensil or one's fingers.
- 08
pick corners
To choose a preference (as in predicting which boxer will win a match).
Last updated August 10, 2026