Often used to describe a nervous or habitual action when someone is worried or anxious. During the interview, she began plucking at her necklace.
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Subtle Attention
Indicates a desire to draw attention to an object or area without being blatant. He plucked at his shirt to subtly show his support for the cause.
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Repetitive Action
Implies a repeated, often absent-minded, action which is not meant to alter something significantly. Lost in thought, she plucked at a loose thread on her sweater.