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to pick up on
/pˈɪk ˌʌp ˌɑːn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
/pˈɪk ˌʌp ˌɒn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
to pick up on
01
to notice something that is not immediately obvious
Transitive: to pick up on a situation
Examples
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
Transitive: to pick up on an error or remark
Examples
In the debate, he misquoted a statistic, but his opponent immediately picked up on it and corrected him.
He mistakenly attributed the quote to Shakespeare, but his professor picked up on the error and clarified the actual author.
03
to refer to or comment on a topic or point that was mentioned earlier in a conversation
Transitive: to pick up on a topic or point
Examples
Earlier in our chat, you brought up a new book you were reading. I wanted to pick up on that and ask for the title.
To pick up on your previous statement about market trends, do you foresee any major shifts in the next quarter?
