pick off
To shoot or remove things one by one very carefully, or to take something off by picking it.
Meanings
To shoot individual targets one by one, usually from a distance and with precision.
"The sniper was picking off the sentries one by one from the ridge."
To eliminate or defeat opponents or competitors individually and methodically.
"The top seed picked off each rival one by one on her way to the final."
To remove something from a surface by picking it with your fingers.
"She sat picking the loose threads off her sweater while she watched television."
In a military or hunting context, 'pick off' implies targeting individuals with precision, one at a time. In a sports context, it can mean intercepting passes or eliminating opponents. Literally, it means to remove something (a berry, a loose thread) by picking. The militaristic sense is the most common connotation.
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Forms
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Synonyms
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