pick over

Idioms and Phrases

Sort out, examine item by item, as in Dad hates to pick over the beans one by one . This term is sometimes put as picked over , describing something that has already been selected from (as in They have almost nothing left; the stock of bathing suits has been picked over ). [First half of 1800s]

Example Sentences

Traffic was terrible, though, so only a few dozen people gamely remained to pick over the vegetable spread and drink beer.

From The Daily Beast

Pick over carefully and wash thoroughly in several waters until all sand is removed.

From Project Gutenberg

Pick over and remove the leaves and poor fruit, and if filthy wash and drain them but do not stem them.

From Project Gutenberg

Pick over and wash berries, add the water, and cook until very soft.

From Project Gutenberg

Pick over your barberries, and put them in clarified syrup, boil them half an hour.

From Project Gutenberg

Pick over carefully one quart of blueberries and keep them on ice until wanted.

From Project Gutenberg