The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word LIFTING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Picking up" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case picking up = lifting.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LIFTING mean?
LIFTING verb- To raise or rise.
- To steal.
- To source directly without acknowledgement; to plagiarise.
- To arrest (a person).
- To remove (a ban, restriction, etc.).
- To alleviate, to lighten (pressure, tension, stress, etc.)
- To cause to move upwards.
- To lift weights; to weight-lift.
- To try to raise something; to exert the strength for raising or bearing.
- To elevate or improve in rank, condition, etc.; often with up.
- To bear; to support.
- To collect, as moneys due; to raise.
- To transform (a function) into a corresponding function in a different context.
- To buy a security or other asset previously offered for sale.
- The action or process by which something is lifted; elevation
- Weightlifting; a form of exercise in which weights are lifted
- Plastic surgery for tightening facial tissues and improving the facial appearance
- Theft.
- A certain operation on a measure space; see lifting theory.