pick at

British  

verb

1. (intr, preposition) to make criticisms of in a niggling or petty manner

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pick at Idioms  

1. Pluck or pull at, especially with the fingers, as in She was always picking at her skirt with her nails . [1600s]

2. Eat sparingly and without appetite, as in He was just picking at his dinner . [Late 1500s]

3. Nag, badger, as in He's picking at me all day long . [ Colloquial ; second half of 1600s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pick at

“Her methodology feels very Eastern European in male and female relationships and dynamics,” Sokol explains as her guests pick at deviled eggs and brie cheese with manicured nails.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 4, 2026

Thanks to its record and growth prospects, Alibaba stock is a top pick at Jefferies.

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2025

Vance said Trump had weighed announcing Vance as his VP pick at the Butler rally but ultimately decided to hold off.

From Salon ● Oct. 31, 2024

When Harris introduced Walz as her vice-presidential pick at a Philadelphia rally in early August, she repeatedly referred to him as “Coach Walz” - and highlighted his high-school educator background.

From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2024

We return to the car and pick at the remains of the picnic.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan