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

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

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

Shares have surged nearly 50% since we published the pick on June 5, when they closed at $95.18.

From Barron's • Nov. 5, 2025

“Come on. Just fold those fingers up; fingers on the inside, thumbs on the outside. Say something. Honk me back. You’re so tall, and you let me pick on you. “Would you like a hanky?

From "The Woman Warrior" by Maxine Hong Kingston

Related Words

• badger
• bully
• get at
• tease
• torment