pick up on
Catch the hint
To pick up on something is to notice or become aware of it, especially something subtle: She picked up on his nervousness right away.
It can also mean to return to or continue with something previously mentioned: I'd like to pick up on what you said earlier about funding.
The phrase suggests attentiveness—catching what others might miss.
Seize or understand
- comprehendTo fully understand
- getObtain or become
- fathomNautical depth unit
- followGo behind another
realize · appreciate · interpret · decode · read · context · meaning · implication
Become aware of
- spotMark or location
- sensePerception or judgment
- perceiveBecome conscious of
- discernPerceive with careful attention
recognize · identify · catch · observe · register · see · clue · signal
Perception or judgment
- feelPerceive by touch
- hunchUnproven inner sense
- gut feelingInstinctive sense about something
- instinctInnate behavioral tendency
sixth sense · vibe · premonition · foreboding · read · empathy · atmosphere · mood
grasp
Seize or understand
- comprehendTo fully understand
- getObtain or become
- fathomNautical depth unit
follow · realize · appreciate · interpret · decode · read · context · meaning · implication · subtext
notice
Become aware of
discern · recognize · identify · catch · observe · register · see · clue · signal · cue
sense
Perception or judgment
- feelPerceive by touch
- hunchUnproven inner sense
- gut feelingInstinctive sense about something
instinct · sixth sense · vibe · premonition · foreboding · read · empathy · atmosphere · mood · tension
- catch oncatch on, figure out, realize, understand, cotton on
- understandingunderstand, comprehend, grasp, fathom, follow
- gut feelingsgut feeling, gut instinct, gut reaction, hunch, instinct
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- Understanding Othersknow someone, see through, figure out, size up, empathize