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

See Examples For:

pick on

The approach carried over into the Dodgers’ second and final pick on the day — Florida right-handed pitcher Russell Sandefer at No. 132.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

But the point of such suits seems to be less to pick on each company/influencer one by one and more to make undisclosed partnerships a business risk and potential liability writ large.

From Slate ● Jun. 27, 2026

That doesn’t mean Stafford was thrilled about general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay spending a first-round pick on his heir apparent.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2026

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

But they continue to pick on Chou because she looks weak and shows her fear.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

Related Words

• badger
• bully
• get at
• tease
• torment