The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word DESSERTSPOON
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
E
S
S
E
R
T
S
P
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "What may pick up fool" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case what may pick up fool = dessertspoon.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 DESSERTSPOON mean?
DESSERTSPOON noun- An item of cutlery; a spoon, larger than a teaspoon and smaller than a tablespoon, used for eating dessert.
- A unit of measure, being equivalent to two teaspoons or two-thirds of a tablespoon, or approximately 10 millilitres; a dessertspoonful.
- More generally, that volume of a substance which is contained within a dessert spoon.