What does “Pick holes” mean?
"Pick holes" means to find faults or flaws in something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always tries to pick holes in my arguments.
Example
The teacher picked holes in my essay and gave me a low grade.
Example
She loves to pick holes in other people's work
Is “Pick holes” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Pick holes” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Pick holes” effectively in context?
You can use "Pick Holes" when someone is criticizing or finding faults in something. It implies that the person is actively looking for flaws or weaknesses. For example, if someone is constantly criticizing your work, you might say, 'He always tries to pick holes in my arguments.'
- 1Debating
During the debate, he constantly picked holes in his opponent's arguments.
- 2Academic
The professor picked holes in my research paper and pointed out several errors.
- 3Workplace
She loves to pick holes in other people's work, but never offers any constructive feedback.
Similar phrases to “Pick holes”:
To focus on small or insignificant details and criticize them
Example
He loves to nitpick about grammar errors in other people's writing.
To express disapproval or find faults in something
Example
The movie was heavily criticized for its weak plot and poor acting.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Pick holes” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Pick Holes" is unknown.
Is “Pick holes” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Pick Holes" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is overly critical or constantly finding faults in others' work or arguments.
What tone does “Pick holes” have?
"Pick Holes" conveys a tone of criticism and negativity. It is often used to express frustration or annoyance towards someone who is excessively fault-finding.
Can “Pick holes” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "pick holes" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the act of finding faults or flaws. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or academic discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He always tries to pick holes in my arguments.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Stop picking holes!' to express frustration with someone's constant criticism.
