PICK UP Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "pick up" is a multi-functional phrasal verb that can be used in a variety of contexts and can have different meanings based on the situation.
One common definition of "pick up" is to physically lift something from a lower position or retrieve an object from a specific location. For example, "She bent down to pick up the fallen book from the floor."
In a more abstract sense, "pick up" can mean to acquire or gain something. This can refer to acquiring a new skill or knowledge, as in, "She decided to pick up Spanish during her vacation." It can also indicate gaining speed, momentum, or recovery, such as, "The runner started to pick up pace as she approached the finish line." Additionally, it can imply gathering or collecting items or people, like, "I need to pick up my dry cleaning after work."
Furthermore, "pick up" can be used to imply a romantic or casual encounter, typically in reference to meeting someone of interest, initiating a conversation, or becoming involved romantically, as in, "He picked up a girl at the bar last night."
Lastly, "pick up" can be a phrasal verb used to describe improvements or positive changes within a situation, mood, or mood, as in, "The market is starting to pick up after the recession." or "The music helped to pick up the party atmosphere."
Overall, this phrase carries a broad range of meanings and can be highly context-dependent.
Common Misspellings for PICK UP
- pikcup
- picku
- pickkup
- pickuup
- pickupp
- piccup
- pick up
- 0ick up
- pjck up
- pkck up
- p9ck up
- p8ck up
- pixk up
- pivk up
- pifk up
- pidk up
- picj up
- picm up
- picl up
- pico up
Etymology of PICK UP
The word "pick up" has multiple origins.
In the context of acquiring something, the term "pick up" originated from the Middle English word "piken" which meant "to pick or pluck". The word "pick" comes from this root and evolved to mean "to select or choose".
In the context of physically lifting something, the term "pick up" derived from the late Middle English phrase "picken up". The word "picken" means "to lift or raise", while "up" simply signifies the direction.
In the realm of social interactions, such as picking up someone or flirting, the expression "pick up" emerged in the early 20th century. It formed out of a slang usage of the word "pickup", which was used to describe an act of collecting or apprehending something.
Idioms with the word PICK UP
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pick up the bill/tab
The idiom "pick up the bill/tab" refers to the act of paying for something, typically a meal or a purchase, on behalf of oneself or others who are present. It implies taking responsibility for the expenses incurred.
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pick up the phone
The idiom "pick up the phone" typically means to answer or respond to a telephone call. It suggests taking action, being responsive, and actively engaging in communication.
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pick up the check, at pick up the bill/tab
The idiom "pick up the check" or "pick up the bill/tab" typically means to pay the expenses or cost of a meal, activity, or event on behalf of others. It implies taking the financial responsibility for someone else's portion or the entire bill.
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pick up the pieces
The definition of the idiom "pick up the pieces" is to restore or recover from a difficult or devastating situation, often involving the aftermath of a failure, disaster, or personal crisis. It refers to the act of resolving problems, recovering emotionally, and moving forward after a setback or hardship.
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pick up after
The definition of the idiom "pick up after" is to clean or tidy up the mess or belongings of someone else, often due to their negligence or inability to do so themselves.
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pick up sth
The idiom "pick up something" is an expression typically used to mean acquiring or obtaining something, either physically or metaphorically. It can refer to grabbing, collecting, purchasing, learning, understanding, or improving a particular thing or skill. The interpretation and usage of this idiom depend on the context in which it is utilized.
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pick up the ball and run
The idiom "pick up the ball and run" means to take charge or take over a task or responsibility that someone else has failed to do or neglected. It implies stepping in and successfully continuing or completing what someone else has left unfinished. Similar to the literal meaning of picking up a ball in a game and running with it to advance towards a goal.
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pick up speed
The idiom "pick up speed" means to accelerate or increase in velocity or pace. It can be used both literally, referring to a physical movement or increase in speed, as well as figuratively, indicating an increase in progress, productivity, or efficiency.
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pick up steam
The idiom "pick up steam" means to gain momentum or gather speed in the progress of an activity or project. It refers to the increasing energy, strength, or enthusiasm in actions or efforts, much like a locomotive or a steam engine gathering steam to propel forward.
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pick up the tab
The idiom "pick up the tab" means to pay for something, particularly a bill or expenses, on behalf of oneself or someone else. It implies taking responsibility for covering the cost of a meal, event, or another form of expenditure. It often suggests generosity or willingness to incur the financial burden involved.
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pick up the pace
The idiom "pick up the pace" means to increase the speed or tempo of a particular activity or task. It is often used to encourage someone to work faster, move more swiftly, or proceed more quickly with something they are doing.
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pick up the bill
The idiom "pick up the bill" means to pay for or cover the expenses incurred, especially in regards to a shared activity or event, such as a meal, outing, or bill. It refers to taking responsibility for the costs involved rather than having someone else pay for it.
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pick up after sm or sth
The idiom "pick up after someone or something" means to clean, tidy, or take care of the mess, clutter, or responsibilities left behind by someone or something. It implies the act of assuming responsibility for the actions or negligence of others, often involving maintaining cleanliness and organization.
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pick up the ball and run with it
The idiom "pick up the ball and run with it" means to take responsibility or control of a situation or task that someone else has started or left unfinished and proceed with it energetically and effectively. It implies taking initiative and showing determination to accomplish the given task or continue the progress.
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pick up the check
The idiom "pick up the check" means to pay for someone else's bill or expenses, typically in a social setting such as a restaurant or bar. It implies taking on the responsibility or showing generosity by covering the cost of something for others.
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pick up the gauntlet
The idiom "pick up the gauntlet" means to accept a challenge or provocation, often in a bold or determined manner. It originates from the medieval practice of throwing down a gauntlet, a metal glove, as a challenge to someone to engage in combat. By picking up the gauntlet, one is metaphorically demonstrating their willingness to face a difficult task, confront an opponent, or accept a dare.
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pick up the hint
The idiom "pick up the hint" means to understand or perceive a subtle or indirect suggestion or clue, often related to someone's desires, intentions, or feelings, without them explicitly stating it. It refers to the ability to read between the lines and grasp the underlying message being implied.
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pick up the tab (for sth)
The idiom "pick up the tab (for sth)" means to pay the bill or cover the costs for something, usually in a social or business context. It implies taking financial responsibility for an expense incurred by oneself or others.
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pick up (one's) marbles and leave
The idiom "pick up (one's) marbles and leave" means to abruptly withdraw from a group or situation out of frustration, disappointment, or anger. It originates from the action of gathering one's marbles during a game and choosing to end or quit the game prematurely. It implies someone's decision to disengage or remove themselves from a situation due to feeling offended, upset, or no longer interested.
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pick up what (one) is putting down
The idiom "pick up what (one) is putting down" means to understand or grasp the message, idea, or intent that someone is trying to convey or communicate. It refers to comprehending and acknowledging the underlying meaning behind someone's words, actions, or subtle hints.
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pick up marbles
The idiom "pick up marbles" generally means to acknowledge defeat, give up, or retreat from a competition or disagreement. It is often used to depict a situation where someone quits or disengages from a venture because they feel they cannot succeed or have lost hope.
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pick up the threads of
The idiom "pick up the threads of" means to resume or continue something that was interrupted or left unfinished, often referring to a task, project, relationship, or story. It implies the act of reconnecting with the previous progress or storyline, gathering the loose ends, and moving forward from where things were left off.
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pick up the bill (for sth)
The idiom "pick up the bill (for sth)" means to pay for something, typically a meal, drink, or an expense incurred by oneself or others. It often implies taking financial responsibility for the cost of something.
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pick up on
The idiom "pick up on" means to notice, perceive, or become aware of something, often subtle or implied, through observation or intuition. It refers to the act of being attentive and responsive to nonverbal cues, hints, or hidden meanings in a conversation or situation.
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pick up (one's) marbles and go home
The idiom "pick up (one's) marbles and go home" means to withdraw from a situation or activity in a sulky, resentful, or petulant manner. It refers to someone deciding to abandon their participation or involvement when faced with a setback or disagreement, often by taking away or withholding their contributions or efforts.
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pick up the thread(s)
The idiom "pick up the thread(s)" refers to the act of resuming or continuing a conversation, story, discussion, or activity that was interrupted or left unfinished. It implies reconnecting with a previous topic, idea, or theme, and continuing it seamlessly.
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pick up the slack
The idiom "pick up the slack" means to take over or compensate for someone else's lack of effort, work, or responsibility in order to ensure that a task or job is completed adequately. It involves filling in the gaps or deficiencies left by others in order to maintain efficiency and ensure successful completion of a task or project.
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pick up on sth
The idiom "pick up on something" is usually used to mean noticing or becoming aware of something, often through observation or intuition. It can also refer to understanding or comprehending something quickly or easily.
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pick up your marbles (and go home/leave)
The idiom "pick up your marbles (and go home/leave)" means to withdraw from a situation or activity, often in a childish or petulant manner, taking away one's participation or contribution. It refers to the act of collecting one's personal belongings and leaving, likened to collecting marbles as a child's game and refusing to continue playing. This idiom implies a response to disappointment, frustration, or disagreement, where someone decides to disengage and remove themselves from a situation altogether.
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pick up your marbles and go home
The idiom "pick up your marbles and go home" is a phrase that means to abruptly abandon a task, game, or activity because one is unhappy with the situation or outcome. It implies a sense of sulking or being a sore loser, suggesting that the person is unwilling to continue participating when things don't go their way. The phrase is often used to describe someone who acts childishly or petulantly in response to adversity or disappointment.
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pick up the threads of sth
The idiom "pick up the threads of something" means to resume or continue something that was left unfinished or interrupted. It refers to gathering and reconnecting the loose ends or unfinished aspects of a project, relationship, conversation, or any other activity after a pause or hiatus. It emphasizes the act of re-establishing and progressing from where things were previously left.
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get/pick up steam
To gain momentum, speed up, or become more energetic or active.
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take/pick up the gauntlet
To accept a challenge or invitation, especially in a competitive context.
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pick up
To pick up means to collect or gather items, people, or information from a certain place or source. It can also refer to improving or increasing in speed, strength, or progress.
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pick up/take up the slack
"Pick up/take up the slack" is an idiom that means to take over the responsibilities or work that another person has failed to do or has not completed. It is often used in a work or team setting to describe someone stepping in to fill a gap or make up for a lack of effort or progress by others.
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pick up/take the ball and run with it
To take advantage of an opportunity and make the most of it; to continue with something that has been started or suggested.
Similar spelling words for PICK UP
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