Pick at
verb
To keep poking, touching, or scratching something, especially in a nervous or absent-minded way.
She started to pick at the loose thread on her sweater.
Often appears as...
- pick at a scab
- pick at loose thread
verb
To eat only small amounts of food because you are not hungry or because you don't like the food.
Don't just pick at your dinner – it's important to eat well.
Often appears as...
- pick at food
- pick at dinner
verb
To find and point out faults or problems in a persistent or annoying way.
He keeps picking at her about her spending habits.
Often appears as...
- pick at flaws
- pick at faults
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To play a stringed instrument, like a guitar, by plucking strings individually.
He sat back in his chair, slowly picking at his guitar.
Often appears as...
- pick at guitar
- pick at strings
Usage tips
Approving
verb
To keep poking, touching, or scratching something, especially in a nervous or absent-minded way.
She started to pick at the loose thread on her sweater.
Often appears as...
- pick at a scab
- pick at loose thread
verb
To eat only small amounts of food because you are not hungry or because you don't like the food.
Don't just pick at your dinner – it's important to eat well.
Often appears as...
- pick at food
- pick at dinner
verb
To find and point out faults or problems in a persistent or annoying way.
He keeps picking at her about her spending habits.
Often appears as...
- pick at flaws
- pick at faults
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To play a stringed instrument, like a guitar, by plucking strings individually.
He sat back in his chair, slowly picking at his guitar.
Often appears as...
- pick at guitar
- pick at strings
Usage tips
Approving
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Nervous Habits
Often seen when someone is anxious or deep in thought without noticing their action.
He nervously picked at his lip while waiting for the interview results.
Pro Tip 2/2Unintentional Damage
Repeated picking at something can cause unintentional harm, like a hole in clothing.
I accidentally made a hole while picking at the seam of my shirt.
Pro Tip 1/2Nervous Habits
Often seen when someone is anxious or deep in thought without noticing their action.
He nervously picked at his lip while waiting for the interview results.
Pro Tip 2/2Unintentional Damage
Repeated picking at something can cause unintentional harm, like a hole in clothing.
I accidentally made a hole while picking at the seam of my shirt.
Pro Tip 1/2Nervous Habits
Often seen when someone is anxious or deep in thought without noticing their action.
He nervously picked at his lip while waiting for the interview results.
Pro Tip 2/2Unintentional Damage
Repeated picking at something can cause unintentional harm, like a hole in clothing.
I accidentally made a hole while picking at the seam of my shirt.
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