pick up what someone is putting down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pick up what someone is putting down’ mean?
The idiom "pick up what someone is putting down" means to understand or comprehend someone's message or intention, often when it is not explicitly stated. It involves perceiving and grasping the underlying meaning or subtle clues in a conversation or situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take the hint" means to understand an indirect or subtle message. It implies recognizing an unvoiced suggestion or signal and acting accordingly.
Take the hint is an English idiom that dates back to the early 19th century. The idiom is commonly used to convey the message that someone should understand or infer an indirect suggestion or indication.
The idiom "pin down" means to force someone to make a clear statement or commitment about something, or to accurately determine or locate something.
The idiom "piece of someone" means to have a deep understanding or knowledge of someone's character or personality.
The idiom "pick up the threads" means to resume or continue a previous activity or conversation after a pause or interruption.
The idiom "pick up the tab" means to pay the bill or expenses for a group of people or oneself, often in a social or business setting.
"Pick up the pieces" means to regain control or deal with the aftermath of a difficult situation or failure, often involving rebuilding or repairing what has been damaged or broken.
The idiom "pick up stitches" means to resume or continue working on a project, especially after a period of pause or interruption.
The idiom "pick up stitches" is a common phrase that has an interesting etymology rooted in the craft of knitting. Originally, the term "pick up stitches" was used in knitting circles to refer to adding new stitches to the knitting needle to continue working a piece of fabric.
The idiomatic phrase "pick up on" means to notice or perceive something, often a subtle or hidden meaning or signal. It implies a keen sense of observation or understanding, indicating the ability to grasp underlying information or hints.
The idiom "pick someone's brain" means to obtain information or advice from someone by asking them questions and seeking their expertise or knowledge.
Cracking the Code
The idiom "pick up what someone is putting down" is a colloquial expression used in American English. It is used to convey the understanding or comprehension of someone's message, idea, or intention. The idiom is typically used in informal conversations, and its origin can be traced back to the mid-20th century.
This expression is a figurative phrase where the act of "picking up" refers to understanding or perceiving the meaning behind someone's words or actions. The phrase "putting down" indicates the act of communicating or expressing oneself through speech, behavior, or non-verbal cues.
When someone says they "pick up what someone is putting down," they are asserting that they understand and comprehend the underlying message or intention the other person is trying to convey. This idiom is often used in contexts where there may be a need to read between the lines or grasp a subtle meaning.
The idiom can be used in various scenarios. For example, two friends discussing a complicated topic may say, "I think I pick up what you're putting down; you want me to handle the situation discreetly." Here, the speaker is expressing their understanding of the other person's desired approach.
Another related idiom is "pick up on." This phrase means to notice or perceive something, especially when it is not explicitly stated. It is similar to "pick up what someone is putting down" in that both involve understanding or perceiving underlying messages or intentions. However, "pick up on" is more focused on noticing subtle cues or hints, while "pick up what someone is putting down" encompasses a broader understanding of someone's communication.
There is also the idiom "catch someone's drift." This expression means to understand the general meaning or concept of what someone is saying or doing. It is similar to "pick up what someone is putting down" in that both involve comprehension and understanding. However, "catch someone's drift" is often used to refer to understanding someone's overall direction or intention, while "pick up what someone is putting down" can be used in a broader range of contexts.
The final related idiom is "catch on." This phrase means to understand or grasp a concept or idea, usually after initial confusion or ignorance. It is similar to "pick up what someone is putting down" in that both involve comprehension and understanding. However, "catch on" often implies a process of gradually understanding or becoming aware of something, while "pick up what someone is putting down" can refer to immediate comprehension.
Although the origin of the idiom "pick up what someone is putting down" is not well-documented, it is believed to have emerged in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) during the mid-20th century. AAVE has contributed numerous idioms and phrases to American English, and "pick up what someone is putting down" is one such example.
It is worth noting that this idiom is primarily used in spoken language and informal conversations. Its usage in more formal settings, such as academic or professional writing, may be considered inappropriate. However, in casual conversations, it serves as a colorful and concise way to express comprehension and understanding.
The idiom "pick up what someone is putting down" is a figurative expression used to convey the understanding or comprehension of someone's message or intention. Its roots can be traced back to African American Vernacular English, and it is commonly used in informal conversations. Understanding this idiom can enhance one's ability to navigate the nuanced aspects of communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "pick up what someone is putting down" can be used in a sentence:
1. During the meeting, the manager used complex financial terms that went over everyone's head, except for one employee who was able to pick up what he was putting down.
2. While watching a movie, my friend made a subtle joke that I immediately picked up what he was putting down, and we burst out laughing.
3. The professor's lecture on quantum physics was difficult to understand, but one student in the class was able to pick up what she was putting down and asked insightful questions.
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