pick up
(to collect someone or something from a place)
- Can you pick the kids up after school?
- I have to pick up the car from the repair shop.
(to get better, improve)
- The economy is starting to pick up again.
- The sales usually pick up in the spring.
(to get stronger, increase)
- The evening came, and the wind picked up again.
- The car started to pick up speed.
informal (to learn something by watching or listening to others)
- I never joined a swimming club; I just picked it up.
- Children pick up languages very quickly.
informal (to get or buy something)
- Please pick up a pack of eggs when you go to the supermarket.
- I am going out to pick up some bread.
US informal (to make a place neat and tidy)
- I spent hours picking up after the party.
- You must learn to pick up after yourself.