pick at
The phrase "pick at" is versatile and used in various contexts, typically involving light or tentative actions or persistent criticism.
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Definition
B2Eating
(informal)To consume small amounts of food without much interest or appetite.
Example
- She picked at her salad, clearly not in the mood to eat.
- He only picked at his dinner, lost in thought.
B2Behavior
(informal)To repeatedly touch, pull, or handle something lightly, often in an annoying or damaging way.
Example
- Stop picking at that scab, or it won't heal.
- The child kept picking at the loose thread on his sweater.
B2Criticism
(informal)To persistently criticize or find fault with someone or something in a petty manner.
Example
- She picked at his every mistake during the presentation.
- He felt demoralized as his boss continued to pick at his work.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "pick at":
pick onpeck atpick offpick apartpick outpick uptear atpick up onpick one's battlespluck uppoke outpaw atchoose upcherry pickinghave at