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Pick up On

What Does "Pick up On" Mean?

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"Pick up on" is an English idiom. It means "to notice, understand, or become aware of something, often subtle or indirect, through observation or intuition."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "pick up on" used in a sentence:
  • She has a keen eye and can quickly pick up on changes in people's behavior.
  • It took him a moment, but he finally picked up on the sarcasm in her tone.
  • Good detectives are skilled at picking up on small details that others might miss.
meaning for pick up on

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Pick up On" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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