pick on
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on
Meanings
Treat one person unfairly by blaming, criticising, or hurting them repeatedly
Why “on”? An action is directed onto a person, thing or weakness as its target.
“The older boys always pick on Sam.”
“Why does the teacher keep picking on me?”
Test yourself
“The older boys always pick on Sam.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
call on
Same on pattern: target
Ask someone to do something formally
cheat on
Same on pattern: target
Be unfaithful to a partner
come on
Same on pattern: target
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Try to start a romantic or sexual relationship with someone; Be broadcast on television or radio
dote on
Same on pattern: target
Show extreme affection toward someone
fall on
Same on pattern: target
Attack someone fiercely
feast on
Same on pattern: target
Eat a large amount of a particular food with enjoyment
feed on
Same on pattern: target
Eat a particular food regularly
frown on
Same on pattern: target
Disapprove of something
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