Pick a winner
verb phrase
To choose something or someone that will be successful.
I'm not good at picking winners when it comes to horse racing.
Often appears as...
- pick a winner in a competition
- pick a winner in the stock market
verb phrase
To select the most attractive or valuable option.
She's certainly picked a winner with that new boyfriend of hers.
Often appears as...
- pick a winner in a group
- pick a winner among options
Usage tips
Colloquial
verb phrase
To choose something or someone that will be successful.
I'm not good at picking winners when it comes to horse racing.
Often appears as...
- pick a winner in a competition
- pick a winner in the stock market
verb phrase
To select the most attractive or valuable option.
She's certainly picked a winner with that new boyfriend of hers.
Often appears as...
- pick a winner in a group
- pick a winner among options
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Success Prediction
It often implies an attempt at foreseeing success in things like investments, sports, or contests.
Everyone thought she was just lucky, but she has a knack for picking winners in start-up companies.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
'Picking a winner' is frequently used metaphorically and doesn't always involve an actual choice.
With his recent promotions, it looks like he's picked a winner of a career path.
Pro Tip 3/3Gambling Connotations
This phrase can associate with gambling, where choosing the winning person or thing is literal.
She went to the derby and picked a winner, doubling her money!
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