1
general::
1. Choose, select, as in She picked out the best piece of fabric. [Early 1500s] 2. Distinguish, discern from one's surround ings, as in They managed to pick out their mother from the crowd. [Mid-1500s] 3. Identify the notes of a tune and play it on an instrument, as in When she was four she could pick out folk songs on the piano. [Late 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): pick someone or something out
Go to pick someone or something out of something., Phrase(s): pick someone or something out (for someone or something)
to choose someone or something to serve as someone or something. • I picked one of the new people out for Santa Claus this year. • I picked out several large potatoes for the stew.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs