pickings

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Sure! Let's explore the word "pickings."

Basic Definition:

"Pickings" is a noun that usually refers to things that can be collected or taken. It often implies that these things are easy to get. For example, if you find a lot of ripe fruit on a tree, you might say, "The pickings are great this season!"

Usage Instructions:

1. Countable vs. Uncountable: "Pickings" can be used in both singular and plural forms, but it is most often seen in the plural form.
2. Context: It is often used when talking about gathering or collecting things, especially when they are easy to find or obtain.

Examples:

• Basic: "After the storm, there were some pickings on the beach, like shells and interesting rocks."
• In a sentence: "The pickings were easy at the garage sale; I found a lot of valuable items for a low price."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "pickings" can refer to the opportunities or options available in a situation. For example: - "In the job market right now, the pickings are slim," meaning there are not many good job options available.

Word Variants:

• The verb form is "pick," which means to take or gather something.
• The adjective "picking" can describe something related to gathering. For example, "picking season" refers to the time when fruits or vegetables are harvested.

Different Meanings:

• "Pickings" can also refer to the food that is left over or the scraps after a meal, like “There were only the last pickings left in the pot.”

Synonyms:

• Gatherings
• Collections
• Bounties
• Harvests

Idioms:

While there are no direct idioms that use "pickings," you might hear phrases like "easy pickings," which means something is very easy to obtain or take advantage of.

Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific phrasal verbs that use "pickings," but related phrasal verbs with "pick" include: - Pick up: to lift something or collect something. - Pick out: to choose something from a group.

Summary:

In summary, "pickings" refers to things that can be easily gathered or collected. It can be used in various contexts, from describing the harvest of fruits to discussing opportunities in life.

Academic

Noun

1. the act of someone who picks up or takes something
   • the pickings were easy
   • clothing could be had for the taking

Synonyms

• taking