PhrasesHub

To pick and choose

    Definitions

      • be selective
        To carefully select only the best or most desirable options from a group of choices

      • be critical
        To be overly selective or critical when making choices, often in a way that is seen as unreasonable or excessive

    Examples of To pick and choose

    • She is very selective when it comes to choosing her friends. She doesn't just accept anyone who comes her way; she picks and chooses whom she spends her time with.

      This idiom means that the person in question is discerning when making choices, and does not act impulsively or arbitrarily.

    • In the supermarket, I like to pick and choose the fruits and vegetables that I buy. I inspect them carefully for any signs of damage or spoilage before making my selection.

      This idiom highlights the importance of being conscientious and particular when making decisions, especially when dealing with items that are important to us.

    • The politician was accused of picking and choosing which laws to enforce based on political expediency. It was alleged that he selectively applied the law to suit his own agenda.

      This idiom suggests that the person in question favors certain actions, either to benefit themselves or to gain an advantage, and disregards the principles that should guide their decisions.

    • In the workplace, some managers prefer to pick and choose who receives promotions or bonuses. They may be influenced by nepotism or favoritism, rather than merit or performance.

      This idiom points to the unfairness and inequality that can arise when decisions are made in an arbitrary or subjective manner, rather than based on objective criteria.

    • Sarah is quite selective when it comes to her friends. She won't just accept anyone who comes her way, she prefers to pick and choose who she spends her time with.

      This example illustrates the use of "to pick and choose" in the context of making choices about friendships. It highlights Sarah's discerning nature in selecting the individuals she wants to be around.

    • In the cafeteria, the children were allowed to pick and choose the food items they wanted for lunch.

      Here, "to pick and choose" is employed in a more literal sense to describe the act of selecting particular foods from a range of options.

    • My sister is very particular about the clothes she wears. She is familiar with all the latest trends, but she only picks and chooses the pieces that she feels will suit her style.

      This example demonstrates the use of "to pick and choose" when referring to fashion choices. It implies that the individual is not content to just settle for whatever is available, but instead, takes the time to carefully curate their wardrobe based on personal preferences.

    • The company was keen to pick and choose the best talent from the pool of applicants. They were looking for individuals who would be a good fit for their company culture, and so they carefully assessed each potential hire before making their decision.

      This example showcases the use of "to pick and choose" in the context of hiring staff. It highlights the fact that the company doesn't just take anyone who applies, but instead, carefully selects the individuals they believe are the most suitable. It also indicates that the process is very selective, with the company being choosy about the talent they want to bring on board.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "to pick and choose" generally means to be selective or critical when making choices. It can be used to indicate carefully selecting the best options or being overly critical in decision-making.

    Origin of "To pick and choose"

    The origin of the idiom "to pick and choose" can be traced back to the 1500s, when it was first used in the English language. The phrase likely originated from the act of physically picking and choosing items from a selection, such as fruits or vegetables at a market. This action of carefully selecting the best options was then applied figuratively to decision-making and choice.

    Over time, the idiom has become a common expression in the English language, used to convey the idea of being selective or critical in decision-making processes. It is often used in both casual and formal contexts to describe the act of choosing only the best or most desirable options. The idiom has become a widely understood and commonly used phrase in English-speaking cultures.