cherry-pick

English - English

Definition of cherry-pick in English English dictionary

To pick out the best, or most desirable items from a list or group, especially to obtain some advantage or to present something in the best possible light

From all the available statistics, the politician cherry-picked only those that backed up his ideas.

If someone cherry-picks people or things, they choose the best ones from a group of them, often in a way that other people consider unfair. The club is in debt while others are queuing to cherry-pick their best players

To position oneself near the opponent's goal to attempt to receive an errant or intentional pass for an easy score, as in basketball or versions of soccer where offsides are not enforced

To select only the best from a range of options

We're not offering you a chance to cherry-pick the Caerphilly Zoo to fill in the gaps in your own collection.

Related Terms

cherrypick

Alternative spelling of cherry pick

cherrypick

to choose the best things or people you want from a group before anyone else has the chance to take them

Etymology

() A metaphor, from the idea of picking through a bowl of cherries and seeking the best for oneself.