pick on

British  

verb

1. (tr, preposition) to select (someone) for something unpleasant, esp in order to bully, blame, or cause to perform a distasteful task

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pick on Idioms  

1. Tease, bully, victimize, as in She told Mom the boys were always picking on her. [Second half of 1800s] This expression is sometimes put as pick on someone your own size, meaning “don't badger someone who is younger, smaller, or weaker than yourself but do so only to an equal.”

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Example Sentences

While the season showcased Simpson’s ability to carve up defenses, there was widespread hesitation about using a premium pick on him because of his lack of experience.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

This was a sport that everyone loved to pick on for being increasingly irrelevant, and now we’re arguing about a ridiculous non-event before the schedule has started.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

I am going to have to pick on liberal arts majors.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

A Wedbush Securities analyst named the stock as a top pick on Thursday.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

“I mean why did you become quiet just because of the people who pick on you?”

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali

Related Words

• badger
• bully
• get at
• tease
• torment