- To notice, perceive, or become aware of something, often something subtle, indirect, or not immediately obvious (like a mood, a hint, a pattern, or an inconsistency).
Explanation
Origin
- Pick up has a sense of collecting or gathering.
- Here, it means metaphorically 'gathering' subtle information or cues from the environment or communication.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Catch (e.g., Did you catch his expression?)
- Clock (UK/Aus slang: notice, realize I clocked him looking.)
- Peep (AAVE/Slang: see, notice Did you peep that?)
- Get a vibe (sense an atmosphere/feeling)
- Suss out (UK/Aus: figure out, detect I sussed out he was lying.)
Milder/Standard:
- Notice
- Observe
- Perceive
- Become cognizant of (more formal)
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in almost all contexts, informal to formal.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure learners distinguish this metaphorical meaning (noticing) from the literal meaning (lifting something). Context usually makes it clear.
Examples
- Did you pick up on her sarcastic tone?
- He's very observant; he always picks up on little details.
- I picked up on some tension in the room as soon as I walked in.
- Children can easily pick up on their parents' anxiety.
Dialogue
Manager 1: How did the client meeting go?
Manager 2: Generally well, but I picked up on some hesitation when we discussed the timeline.
Manager 1: Really? Like what?
Manager 2: Just a slight pause, a shared look between their team leaders. Might be something we need to clarify.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Watching that interview again... anyone else pick up on the subtle shade thrown at the end? 👀 #drama #subtlety
- Post: My therapist is amazing at picking up on things I don't even realize I'm feeling. #therapy #insight
- Comment: I totally picked up on that foreshadowing in the last chapter! Can't wait to see how it plays out.
Response Patterns
- Confirmation: Yes, I picked up on that too. or Yeah, I noticed.
- Negation/Inquiry: No, I didn't pick up on that. What did you notice?
- Agreement with observation: Good catch! I picked up on that as well.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Discussing the significance of what was noticed: I wonder why she sounded sarcastic? or What do you think that tension means?
- Comparing observations with others.
- Acting based on the perception (e.g., changing the subject if tension is picked up on).
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically used mid-conversation to share an observation.
Intonation
- Stress usually on pick up and the object (something, tension, tone).
- Did you PICK UP on THAT?
- Tone is often inquisitive or observational.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common across all major English-speaking regions.