Pick up on
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British pronunciation/pˈɪk ˌʌp ˌɒn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
American pronunciation/pˈɪk ˌʌp ˌɑːn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/

Definition & Meaning of "pick up on"

to pick up on
01

to notice something that is not immediately obvious

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Transitive: to pick up on a situation
to pick up on definition and meaning
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Example
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During the movie, most people didn't pick up on the small clues leading to the big plot twist at the end.
As a skilled detective, he could pick up on subtle behavioral cues that indicated when someone was lying.
Sarah was quick to pick up on the tension in the room when she entered.
02

to express disapproval or correct someone's statement

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Transitive: to pick up on an error or remark
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Example
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The journalist mistakenly said the capital of the country, but an attentive listener picked up on the error and tweeted the correction.
He mistakenly attributed the quote to Shakespeare, but his professor picked up on the error and clarified the actual author.
During the family dinner, Aunt Mary couldn't resist picking up on her nephew's remark about the family tradition, adding her own perspective to the discussion.
03

to refer to or comment on a topic or point that was mentioned earlier in a conversation

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Transitive: to pick up on a topic or point
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Example
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Can we pick up on that discussion?
Can we pick up on that topic?
To pick up on your previous statement about market trends, do you foresee any major shifts in the next quarter?

pick up on

v
example
Example
During the movie, most people didn't pick up on the small clues leading to the big plot twist at the end.
As a skilled detective, he could pick up on subtle behavioral cues that indicated when someone was lying.
Sarah was quick to pick up on the tension in the room when she entered.
Despite the actor's composed demeanor, keen-eyed fans picked up on the slight tremor in his hands, indicating nervousness.
Can we pick up on that discussion?
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Definition & Meaning of "To pick up on"
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