A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

photo finish • photo finishing
photo finish —
1
. (Racing ) a finish so close that only a pho-
tograph can decide the winner: In the tense, final moments
of the race she had craned forward with the rest to watch the
photo finish. 2. a very close contest in an election, etc.: A
photo finish was predicted by public opinion polls. The final
one showed M. Mitered winning on the second ballot…
photo finishing —the process of producing prints from neg-
atives: In the photographic chemicals market the company
offers a range of chemicals for photo finishing.
physical exercise • physical exercises
physical exercise —physical exertion of the body (such as
walking, playing football, etc.) engaged in for health or amuse-
ment: We take no physical exercise, except riding or swim-
ming.
physical exercises —specific movements within a regimen of
physical training: Physical exercises performed to the accom-
paniment of music may be a pleasant and stimulating way of
passing the time.
pick at someone • pick on someone
pick at someone —continually nag at smb.; find fault with a
person: Why are you always picking at the poor child?
pick on someone —single a person out for criticism, repri-
mand, etc.: Have you any idea why the Inspector should have
picked on you first?
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pick at someone

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pick at something • pick on something
pick at something —
1
. keep pulling smth. or scratch it with
one’s nails: He sat there idly ruminating and picking at the
tablecloth. 2. (of food) take small, selected pieces now and
again: He was just picking at his food, not eating it.
pick on something —select or choose smth.: We seem to have
picked on just the right spot for a picnic.