The phrase "picked off" typically means to pluck or remove something, particularly in the context of grabbing or taking something from a particular place or location. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase is /pikt ɒf/, with emphasis on the first syllable and the /t/ sound at the end. The word is spelled in a way that reflects its pronunciation, with the letter 'c' indicating the hard 'k' sound and the letter 'e' indicating the long 'i' sound.
Picked off refers to the act or process of intercepting or capturing someone or something that is in motion, often amid a group or crowd. This term is commonly used in various contexts, including sports, military operations, and even casual day-to-day activities.
In sports, particularly in games like baseball, football, or basketball, picked off is associated with the action of intercepting or stealing the ball from an opponent. For instance, in baseball, when a base runner is caught or tagged out by the defense while attempting to advance to the next base without being safe, it is often described as being picked off or picked off base. Similarly, in football or basketball, when a player from the opposing team intercepts the ball that is being passed or thrown to a teammate, it is typically referred to as a picked off pass or picked off ball.
Outside the realm of sports, the term picked off can also denote snatching or capturing something or someone. For example, in military operations, it can refer to soldiers or a unit successfully capturing or neutralizing enemy combatants. In a more everyday scenario, it might be used to describe the act of removing or taking away something from a larger group, such as "picking off" the last piece of food from a plate shared among friends.
Overall, the term picked off entails seizing or intercepting someone or something that is in motion or part of a larger group, often involving a sudden or unexpected action.
The phrase "picked off" comes from the verb "pick off". The word "pick" can be traced back to the Old English word "piccian", which means "to prick" or "to pierce". Over time, the meaning of "pick" expanded to include the act of selecting or choosing something or plucking or removing something with a sharp instrument. The addition of "off" enhances the meaning by indicating the act of being taken or removed from a larger group. In the context of "picked off", the phrase is often used to describe a strategic move in sports, particularly in baseball, where a baserunner is eliminated by being tagged or thrown out.