Pick up on 's definition, meaning and history

Meaning of “pick up on”

The phrase “pick up on” is an idiomatic expression that means to notice or become aware of something, especially subtle or unspoken cues or signals. It is often used to describe the act of perceiving or understanding something that is not explicitly stated.

For example, you might say “I picked up on her discomfort during the meeting” to indicate that you noticed that she was feeling uneasy or anxious, even though she didn’t say anything. Or you could say “He’s good at picking up on social cues” to describe someone who is adept at reading body language or tone of voice to understand how others are feeling.

Here are some other things to know about “pick up on”:

• It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, like “I picked up on his enthusiasm” or “She picked up on his sarcasm.”
• “Pick up on” is often used informally in spoken English to describe the act of noticing or understanding something.
• The phrase can be followed by a noun or noun phrase to specify what is being perceived or understood, like “pick up on the details” or “pick up on the subtext.”

History of “pick up on”

The phrase “pick up on” has been in use for centuries, with its origins dating back to Middle English. Here’s what we know about its history:

• Early usage: The phrase “pick up on” first appeared in English in the 16th century, with early examples found in texts from the 1500s.
• Evolution of meaning: Over time, “pick up on” has come to be used more broadly to describe the act of perceiving or understanding subtle cues or signals.
• Informal usage: “Pick up on” is considered an informal expression in English, often used in casual conversation or informal writing to describe the act of noticing or becoming aware of something.
• Synonyms: Other phrases that can be used in place of “pick up on” include “catch on to,” “get the hint,” or “read between the lines.”

Overall, “pick up on” is a versatile idiom in English that is used to describe the act of noticing or understanding something that is not explicitly stated. It’s a common phrase that can be used in a variety of contexts to describe the act of perceiving subtle cues or signals in communication.

Back to AI Meaning.