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REFERENCE

picking

n.
US //ˈpɪkɪŋ// UK //pˈɪkɪŋ// pick·ing
  1. 1 the act of choosing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of choosing or selecting something from a group.

    the process or act of making a selection from available options.

    Example

    The picking of the final team members took several hours of debate.

    Example

    The careful picking of candidates for the executive board required a thorough review of their professional histories and personal references.
  2. 2 harvesting (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of gathering fruit, vegetables, or flowers.

    the act of harvesting or gathering agricultural produce by hand.

    Example

    Apple picking is a popular activity for families during the autumn months.

    Example

    The seasonal picking of grapes must be timed precisely to ensure the sugar content is optimal for wine production.
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  1. 3 leftover scraps (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    the small or poor-quality things that are left after the best parts have been taken.

    the remains or scraps left over after others have selected the most desirable items; often used in the plural 'pickings'.

    Example

    By the time we arrived at the sale, there were only slim pickings left.

    Example

    The latecomers found only slim pickings on the buffet table, as the earlier guests had already consumed the prime cuts of meat.
  2. 4 dishonest gains (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal

    money or profits that someone gets in a way that is not completely honest.

    proceeds or spoils, particularly those obtained through opportunistic or unscrupulous means; typically used in the plural.

    Example

    The corrupt official enjoyed the rich pickings from the city's construction contracts.

    Example

    The administration was plagued by scandals involving officials who viewed public office as a source of easy pickings for their associates.

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