Pluck at Meaning in English
expression
Definição
To pull something lightly and repeatedly, often with fingers, such as clothing or instrument strings. Sometimes used to get someone's attention or express nervousness.
Uso & Nuances
Often describes small, nervous, or attention-seeking gestures, like children pluck at a parent's sleeve. Used for both objects (clothes, strings) and abstract attention-seeking. Not the same as 'pluck' (to pull out). Common collocations: 'pluck at strings', 'pluck at someone's sleeve'.
Frases de Exemplo
The child plucked at his mother's sleeve.
basic
She nervously plucked at the edge of her scarf.
basic
He plucked at the guitar strings softly.
basic
Stop plucking at your shirt—it makes you look nervous.
natural
She kept plucking at the blanket while she waited for the doctor.
natural
The musician plucked at the strings to create a beautiful melody.
natural