cherry-pick

Meaning: To choose only the best or most convenient items.

Example: “The report cherry-picks the numbers that support its argument.”

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 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.

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Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

Pain Actually means 'bread'. The hurting kind of pain is la douleur.
Coin Actually means 'corner'. A coin you spend is une pièce.
Caldo Actually means 'hot' (or a hot broth). Cold is freddo.

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Equivalents in other languages

More idioms — Food & Drink

More English idioms

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