English Phrase of the Day

pick up

Definitions

English > English
pick up
1. v. To lift; to grasp and raise.
When you pick up the bag, make sure to support the bottom.
2. v. (transitive,) To collect an object, especially in passing.
Can you pick up a pint of milk on your way home?
3. v. (transitive, or intransitive) To clean up; to return to an organized state.
Aren't you going to pick up after yourself?
4. v. To collect a passenger.
I'll pick you up outside the library.
5. v. To collect and detain (a suspect).
The cops have picked up the man they were looking for.
6. v. (intransitive) To improve, increase or speed up.
Prices seem to be picking up again. I was in bed sick this morning, but I'm picking up now.
7. v. (intransitive) To restart or resume.
Let's pick up where we left off yesterday.
8. v. To learn, to grasp; to begin to understand; to realize.
It looks complicated, but you'll soon pick it up.
9. v. To receive (a radio signal or the like).
With the new antenna, I can pick up stations all the way from Omaha.
10. v. (transitive,) To notice, detect or discern; to pick up on
Did you pick up his nervousness?
11. v. To point out (a person's behaviour, habits or actions) in a critical manner.
She's always picking me up on my grammar.
12. v. (transitive, and intransitive with on) To meet and seduce somebody for romantic purposes, especially in a social situation.
He was in the fabric store not to buy fabric but to pick up women. She could tell he intended to pick up on her. Did you pick up at the party last night?
13. v. (transitive, or intransitive) To answer a telephone. See pick up the phone.
I'm calling him, but he just isn't picking up!
14. v. (intransitive, of a phone) To receive calls; to function correctly.
I've tried his home number a couple times, but it isn't picking up.
15. v. To pay for.
The company will pick up lunch with customers for sales calls.
16. v. To reduce the despondency of.
17. v. To take control (physically) of something.
18. v. (soccer) To mark, to defend against an opposition player by following them closely.
19. v. To record; to notch up.
20. v. (sports) To behave in a manner that results in a foul.
21. n. (rare) alternative form of pickup
Analysis
pick
1. n. A tool used for digging; a pickaxe.
2. n. A tool for unlocking a lock without the original key; a lock pick, picklock.
3. n. A comb with long widely spaced teeth, for use with tightly curled hair.
4. n. A choice; ability to choose.
5. n. That which would be picked or chosen first; the best.
up
1. adv. Away from the surface of the Earth or other planet; in opposite direction to the downward pull of gravity.
I looked up and saw the airplane overhead.
2. adv. (intensifier) Used as an aspect marker to indicate a completed action or state Thoroughly, completely.
I will mix up the puzzle pieces.
Tear up the contract.

Example Sentences

As if trying to get her to pick up the thread.

I can rake, and pick up things.

I'll jump out the back door and pick up a six-pack.

Not much, but we could just pick up some subs tomorrow before we head out.

They pick up guitars and other musical instruments.

Review Previous Phrases

kind of	pop music	get along	so much
bring about	face up to	break a leg	extended family
second hand	out of fashion	even if	put in
come on	by no means	by definition	revolving door

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