pick up on

Definitions

1. 1

   To notice, observe, learn, or understand, especially something otherwise overlooked.

   • "Remember, I know more about it than only what you picked up on that morning."
   • No wonder I didn't pick up on what was happening.
   • Why didn't the police or the school pick up on the killers' warning signs?
2. 2

   To continue or build upon (for example, a task, analysis, or narrative), beginning from a…

   To continue or build upon (for example, a task, analysis, or narrative), beginning from a point at which someone has previously stopped.

3. 3

   To adopt a practice in which others already engage.

   • "What you've got to do is, you've got to study the guy and try to pick up on his techniques, try to pick up what he's real good at."
   • China was slow to pick up on the reality-TV trend.

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