pick up what (one) is putting down

pick up what (one) is putting down

slang To understand what someone is saying, especially when something is insinuated, rather than stated directly. A: "I'm going to say that I'm busy on Sunday, and I think you should too." B: "I'm picking up what you're putting down—I don't want to go to this family reunion either!" If I see you around here again, there's going to be trouble. Are you picking up what I'm putting down?
See also: down, pick, put, up, what
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • a busy bee
  • be strong on (something)
  • (as) busy as popcorn on a skillet
  • address (one's) comments to (someone or something)
  • address comments or remarks to
  • address (one's) remarks to (someone or something)
  • be in it for
  • as busy as a bee
  • be (as) busy as a bee
  • (as) busy as a bee