English Expression · Intermediate
pick at
To touch, grab, handle, or pull tentatively or gingerly, using a utensil or one's fingers
Pronunciation: say pick at
Meaning
To touch, grab, handle, or pull tentatively or gingerly, using a utensil or one's fingers.
Example
Mr Vholes remained immovable, except that he secretly picked at one of the red pimples on his yellow face with his black glove.
Mr Vholes remained immovable, except that he secretly picked at one of the red pimples on his yellow face with his black glove.
Practice tips
- Practice pick at out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this English expression is for intermediate-level learners.