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pick up on

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pick up on something

to become alert to something; to take notice of something; to learn or catch on to something. She's real sharp. She picks up on everything. The cop picked up on the car with the expired license plates.

See also: on, pick, up

pick up on something

(spoken)

1. to notice something The evidence was there - I just didn't pick up on it.

2. to continue talking about something previously said Just to pick up on what Haley asked, I think the president clearly did get the message.

See also: on, pick, up

pick up on

Become aware of, notice, as in The teacher picked up on her nervousness right away. [Colloquial; mid-1900s]

See also: on, pick, up

pick up on

Informal

1. To take into the mind and understand, typically with speed: is quick to pick up on new computer skills.

2. To notice: picked up on my roommate's bad mood and left him alone.

See also: on, pick, up