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pick on

A2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words

To be mean or unfair to someone, especially the same person again and again.

Meanings

1 A2 idiomatic informal

To repeatedly treat someone badly, unfairly, or unkindly; to bully.

"The other kids kept picking on him because he was the smallest in the class."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 idiomatic informal

To single out a particular person unfairly for criticism or a difficult task.

"The manager always seems to pick on the same employees when anything goes wrong."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very commonly used in the context of bullying, especially among children and teenagers. Adults also use it to describe unfair treatment in the workplace or in other social settings. Often heard in the protest 'Why are you always picking on me?' Commonly used in both British and American English.

Commonly used with

bully younger weaker someone target victim

Forms

Base
pick on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
picks on
he/she/it
Past simple
picked on
yesterday
Past participle
picked on
have + pp
-ing form
picking on
continuous

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Synonyms

bully target single out victimise harass torment

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