1 B2 idiomatic neutral
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."
separable
pick off
B2 neutral separable transitive
To shoot or eliminate targets individually with precision; to remove something by picking.
In plain English
To shoot or remove things one by one very carefully, or to take something off by picking it.
What does "pick off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
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."
separable
3 B1 neutral
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To pick (remove by hand) off (from a surface).
Actually means
To shoot or remove things one by one very carefully, or to take something off by picking it.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "pick off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
targets enemies runners defenders insects berries
How to conjugate "pick off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pick off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
picks off
he/she/it
Past simple
picked off
yesterday
Past participle
picked off
have + pp
-ing form
picking off
continuous
Hear "pick off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pick off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "pick off"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.