P
Idioms beginning with "P"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of P:
[pick holes in] {v. phr.}
To criticize or find fault with something, such as a speech, a statement, a theory, etc.
It is easier to pick holes in someone else's argument than to make a good one yourself.
[pick off] {v.}
1. To pull off; remove with the fingers.
He picked off the burs that had stuck to his overcoat.
2. To shoot, one at a time; knock down one by one.
The sniper picked off the slower soldiers as they came out into the road.
3. […]
[pick on] {v.}
1. {informal}
To make a habit of annoying or bothering (someone); do or say bad things to (someone).
Other boys picked on him until he decided to fight them.
Syn.: [PICK AT] (3).
2. To single out; choose; select.
* /He visited a […]
[pick one's teeth] {v. phr.}
To clean one's teeth with a toothpick.
It is considered poor manners to pick one's teeth in public.
[pick one's way] {v. phr.}
To go ahead carefully in difficult or unfamiliar places; advance with care.
After nightfall we drove slowly along, picking our way until we found the right turn.
He picked his way across the rough and rocky hillside.
[…]
[pick out] {v.}
1. To choose.
It took Mary a long time to pick out a dress at the store.
2. To see among others; recognize; tell from others.
We could pick out different places in the city from the airplane.
* /We could not pick Bob out in […]
[pick over] {v.}
To select the best of; look at and take what is good from; choose from.
She picked the apples over and threw out the bad ones.
We hurried to the big sale, but we were late and everything had already been picked over.
[pick the brains of] {v. phr.}
To get ideas or information about a particular subject by asking an expert.
If you have time, I'd like to pick your brains about home computers.
[pick up] {v.}
1. To take up; lift.
During the morning Mrs. Carter picked up sticks in the yard.
2. {informal}
To pay for someone else.
After lunch, in the restaurant, Uncle Bob picked up the check.
3. To take on or away; receive; get.
* […]