cherry-pick
Meaning: To choose only the best or most convenient items.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The report cherry-picks the numbers that support its argument.”
Category: Food & Drink
Origin: A cherry picker takes only the ripe fruit from the tree. The figurative use is common from the mid-20th century, often about selecting evidence.
Equivalents in other languages
- Dutch: alleen de rozijnen uitpikken — literally: to pick only the raisins
More idioms — Food & Drink
- on a silver platter — Given to someone without any effort on their part.
- like two peas in a pod — Very similar in looks or character.
- cool as a cucumber — Very calm, especially under pressure.
- too many cooks spoil the broth — When too many people work on something, the result is worse.
- toss one's cookies — To vomit.
- manna from heaven — Something good that arrives unexpectedly just when it is needed.
More English idioms
- keep one's eye on the ball — To stay focused on what matters.
- be cut out for something — To have the right qualities for something.
- go to bat for someone — To support or defend someone.
- pull the plug — To put a stop to something, especially by cutting off its support.
- clean house — To get rid of unwanted people or practices in an organization.
- kick it up a notch — To increase effort, intensity or excitement.