Pick on
verb
To unfairly criticize or bother someone, often someone who is smaller or weaker.
She always picks on me because I'm the smallest in our class.
Often appears as...
- pick on someone
- pick on the weakest
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To choose someone or something from a group.
He always picks on the hardest tasks to show his skills.
Often appears as...
- pick on tasks
- pick on challenges
verb
To unfairly criticize or bother someone, often someone who is smaller or weaker.
She always picks on me because I'm the smallest in our class.
Often appears as...
- pick on someone
- pick on the weakest
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To choose someone or something from a group.
He always picks on the hardest tasks to show his skills.
Often appears as...
- pick on tasks
- pick on challenges
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Use 'pick on' when someone uses their strength or status to target someone weaker.
The older kids tend to pick on the younger ones during recess.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Emotion
'Pick on' implies causing distress and is seen as negative behavior.
Whenever there's a mistake, my boss picks on me instead of anyone else.
Pro Tip 3/3Repeated Action
'Pick on' often suggests a habitual action, not a one-time event.
Alex is always picking on his classmates for their accents.
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Use 'pick on' when someone uses their strength or status to target someone weaker.
The older kids tend to pick on the younger ones during recess.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Emotion
'Pick on' implies causing distress and is seen as negative behavior.
Whenever there's a mistake, my boss picks on me instead of anyone else.
Pro Tip 3/3Repeated Action
'Pick on' often suggests a habitual action, not a one-time event.
Alex is always picking on his classmates for their accents.
Pro Tip 1/3Power Dynamics
Use 'pick on' when someone uses their strength or status to target someone weaker.
The older kids tend to pick on the younger ones during recess.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Emotion
'Pick on' implies causing distress and is seen as negative behavior.
Whenever there's a mistake, my boss picks on me instead of anyone else.
Pro Tip 3/3Repeated Action
'Pick on' often suggests a habitual action, not a one-time event.
Alex is always picking on his classmates for their accents.
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