pluck
/plʌk/ (bre, ipa) · /plʌk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈplək/ (ame, mw)
pluck — verb
- pluckpresent simple I / you / we / they
- pluckshe / she / it
- pluckedpast simple
- plucking-ing form
1. to remove something that is attached, caught, or tucked away by giving it a quic
to remove something that is attached, caught, or tucked away by giving it a quick pull
Before the photo was taken, João plucked lint off his black jacket.
pluck + noun + off + surface
At the station gate, Rania plucked her ticket from a wet pocket.
pluck + noun + from + place
The dentist plucked a loose cotton pad from Kenji's cheek.
Christopher plucked a weed from the crack beside the front steps.
文法句型
pluck + noun + from + place
pluck + noun + out of + place
pluck + noun + off + surface
用法筆記
This sense often takes from, out of, or off after the object to show where the thing is removed from. Distinguish it from sense 5, which is used for gathering flowers, fruit, or leaves from a plant.
常見錯誤
2. to clean a bird for cooking by pulling away its feathers
to clean a bird for cooking by pulling away its feathers
After the hunt, Faisal plucked the duck beside the outdoor sink.
pluck + bird before cooking
The cook plucked the chicken before rubbing salt over the skin.
In the yard, Kwame plucked two geese while his sister washed the table.
The farmer showed Eli how to pluck a pheasant without tearing the skin.
- leave feathered
means not removing the feathers before cooking
文法句型
pluck + chicken/duck/goose
pluck + bird + before cooking
pluck + bird + clean
用法筆記
This sense is used for preparing a bird's body for cooking. It is not used for picking up loose feathers from the floor or for removing just one feather from a live bird.
常見錯誤
3. to choose a person from a quiet or unknown life and suddenly place them in a muc
to choose a person from a quiet or unknown life and suddenly place them in a much more noticeable role or situation
A local radio contest plucked Ayana from a grocery job and made her a singer.
pluck + person + from + ordinary job
The drama school plucked Rania from a small village and gave her a full scholarship.
One viral video plucked João from quiet office work into the public eye.
The new coach plucked Kenji from the junior team for the national squad.
- overlook
means to fail to notice or choose someone
- leave behind
means not giving the person a new chance
文法句型
pluck + person + from + ordinary job
pluck + person + from + place + into + public role
pluck + person + for + major opportunity
用法筆記
This sense usually suggests that someone ordinary or previously unnoticed is suddenly given a high-profile chance. Distinguish it from sense 4, which is about urgent rescue from danger rather than promotion into a new opportunity.
常見錯誤
4. to get someone out of immediate danger or serious trouble very quickly
to get someone out of immediate danger or serious trouble very quickly
A coast guard boat plucked two surfers from the rocks before dark.
pluck + person + from + dangerous place
Helicopters plucked the injured hikers from a snowy ridge at dawn.
Fire crews plucked the family from an upstairs window with a ladder.
Rescuers plucked a trapped driver from the flooded carpark entrance.
- abandon
means to leave someone in danger
- leave trapped
means not getting the person out
文法句型
pluck + person + from + danger
pluck + person + from + vehicle/building
be plucked from + dangerous place
用法筆記
This sense is common in reports about rescue teams, boats, or helicopters taking people out of immediate risk. Distinguish it from sense 3, where the person is moved into a better role rather than saved from a dangerous situation.
常見錯誤
5. to pick flowers, fruit, or leaves from a plant where they are growing
to pick flowers, fruit, or leaves from a plant where they are growing
Before class, Élise plucked three white jasmine flowers for the hallway vase.
pluck + flowers for a vase
At sunrise, Eitan plucked ripe figs from the tree behind the shed.
pluck + fruit from + tree
The children plucked mint leaves for soup in Grandma's back garden.
Felix plucked a yellow daisy from the field and tucked it behind his ear.
- plant
means to put a plant or seed into the ground
- leave growing
means not taking the flower or fruit from the plant
文法句型
pluck + flower + from + plant
pluck + fruit + from + tree
pluck + leaves + for + meal
用法筆記
Use this sense for flowers, fruit, or leaves that are still attached to a plant. Distinguish it from sense 1, which is broader and usually does not suggest harvesting something growing naturally.
常見錯誤
6. to sound the strings of an instrument by lifting them with your finger and letti
to sound the strings of an instrument by lifting them with your finger and letting them spring back
During sound check, Kenji plucked the bass string and listened for a buzz.
pluck + string
Rania plucked a simple tune on the harp while the guests found seats.
pluck + tune + on + instrument
With one finger, Eli plucked each guitar string before the lesson began.
The child plucked at the banjo strings until the music teacher smiled.
- pick
common in guitar playing, often with a pick or plectrum
- fingerpick
specifically means playing strings with the fingers in a pattern
- strum
different because it brushes across several strings rather than sounding them one by one
文法句型
pluck + string
pluck + tune + on + instrument
pluck at + strings
用法筆記
This sense is used for separate finger movements on strings. Distinguish it from strum, which usually means brushing across several strings in one broader movement.
常見錯誤
pluck — noun
1. brave determination that keeps you trying when success seems difficult
brave determination that keeps you trying when success seems difficult
By sheer pluck, João finished the mountain race with a twisted ankle.
by sheer pluck
The little shop survived its first winter through pluck and long hours.
through pluck
Reporters admired the goalkeeper's pluck after she returned to the match.
After three rejections, Ayana's pluck kept her applying for nursing jobs.
- grit
stresses toughness and perseverance through hardship
- courage
broader and more neutral than pluck
- determination
focuses on persistence more than bravery
- cowardice
means a lack of bravery
- discouragement
means a loss of confidence or will to continue
文法句型
show + pluck
through/by + pluck
sheer + pluck
用法筆記
This noun is often slightly old-fashioned and commonly appears in phrases such as show pluck, by sheer pluck, and through pluck. It stresses courage joined to persistence, especially when conditions are hard.