pɪk ɒn
informal
beginner
- Base verb:
- pick
- Particle:
- on
- Separable:
- No
What does "pick on" mean?
- To bully or repeatedly criticize someone unfairly
- To single someone out for criticism or blame
- To choose someone for a task (often unwanted)
Examples
- Stop picking on your little sister!
- Why do you always pick on me?
- The teacher seemed to pick on the quiet students.
- He felt like his boss was picking on him unfairly.
- Pick on someone your own size!
How to use it
'Pick on someone your own size' is a common phrase telling someone to stop bullying someone weaker. Always has negative connotations of unfair treatment.
Similar expressions
bully
tease
harass
single out
criticize
Opposites
praise
support
defend
Related phrasal verbs
- pick up
To lift something from a surface
- pick out
To choose or select something from a group
- pick apart
To criticize something in great detail
- turn on
To start a device or appliance by pressing a switch or button
- get on
To board a bus, train, plane, or other transport
- go on
To continue doing something or happening
Use it in a practice answer
Try "pick on" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.