Pick holes Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈpɪk/ /ˈhoʊɫz

PIK-HOHLZ

UK

pˈɪk/ /hˈəʊlz

PIK-HOHLZ

Definition

To look for and point out mistakes or weaknesses in something, often in a critical or negative way.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and sometimes negative; often suggests excessive or unfair criticism. Commonly used in phrases like 'don't pick holes in my plan.' Not literal—does not refer to physical holes.

• Spanish: buscar defectos - criticar (detalladamente)
• Portuguese (BR): procurar falhas - criticar minuciosamente
• Portuguese (PT): procurar falhas - criticar minuciosamente
• Chinese (Simplified): 吹毛求疵 - 挑毛病
• Chinese (Traditional): 吹毛求疵 - 挑毛病
• Hindi: कमज़ोरियाँ निकालना - नुक्स निकालना
• Arabic: البحث عن العيوب - التدقيق في التفاصيل
• Bengali: দোষ খোঁজা - ভুল ধরার চেষ্টা করা
• Russian: ошибки искать - придираться
• Japanese: あら探しをする
• Vietnamese: bới lông tìm vết - bắt lỗi
• Korean: 흠잡다 - 트집잡다
• Turkish: kusur bulmak - açık aramak
• Urdu: عیب نکالنا - خامیاں تلاش کرنا
• Indonesian: mencari-cari kesalahan - mencari-cari kekurangan

Example Sentences

Please don't pick holes in my suggestion; I'm trying to help.

basic

It's easy to pick holes in someone else's work.

basic

Some critics like to pick holes in every movie.

basic

Instead of fixing the problem, he just tried to pick holes in my solution.

natural

Why do you always have to pick holes in what I say?

natural

People who constantly pick holes rarely suggest better ideas.

natural