pick at

US /pɪk æt/
UK /pɪk æt/
"pick at" picture
1.

eat food slowly and without much enthusiasm

:
She was so upset that she could only pick at her dinner.
He's been picking at his food all evening.
2.

criticize someone or something repeatedly, especially in a petty or annoying way

:
She's always picking at his grammar.
Don't pick at every little mistake I make.