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

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

“A.J. is a member of the Eagles,” Roseman said after using a first-round pick on USC wide receiver Makai Lemon in April.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Barron’s made Paramount Skydance a top stock pick on Aug. 8.

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Barron’s made Quanta Services a top stock pick on Oct.

From Barron's • Apr. 30, 2026

“Because you pick on her!” she shouted at me.

From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia

Related Words

• badger
• bully
• get at
• tease
• torment