pick up on
The phrase "pick up on" is versatile, often used in various contexts to indicate noticing, understanding, or continuing something.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To notice or become aware of something, especially if it is subtle or not immediately obvious.
Example
- He didn't pick up on her sarcasm.
- She quickly picked up on the tension in the room.
B2Communication
(informal)To understand or comprehend something after some effort or attention.
Example
- It took him a while to pick up on the new concept.
- She finally picked up on what he was trying to say.
B2Interaction
(informal)To respond to or react to a particular situation, cue, or signal.
Example
- He picked up on her need for help and offered assistance.
- They quickly picked up on the changes in the plan.
B2Discussion
(informal)To continue or resume a discussion or activity that was previously interrupted or paused.
Example
- Let's pick up on the topic we discussed last week.
- She picked up on her project after a brief break.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "pick up on":
pick upcatch onpick up the threads ofpick oncotton on toget on topick up the phonepick offpick atcatch outsnap uptake up withpick outhit uponpick up the slackseize uponget ontake uphit onscoop upsniff outjump onglom ontoprick upget hold ofcatch ittake ontake inpick up stitches