What does "we don't get to pick them" mean?

[Gitty]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #567 "English Slang Idioms (309)", question 8

"Everyone grab a shaving kit. They are all similar. Grab the first one you come to. You don't get to pick and .......... You better hurry up!" the Drill Sergeant told the new recruits during their reception into Basic Training.

(a) choose
(b) analyze
(c) eye
(d) look

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #567 "English Slang Idioms (309)", answer 8

"Everyone grab a shaving kit. They are all similar. Grab the first one you come to. You don't get to pick and choose. You better hurry up!" the Drill Sergeant told the new recruits during their reception into Basic Training.

Correct answer: (a) choose

Your answer was: correct
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what does "we don't get to pick them" mean?

[Alan]

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Hi,

The full expression is 'pick and choose', which means to be particular about what you select. If you don't get to pick and choose, this suggests you don't have the possibility of choosing exactly what you want. 'Pick' on its own is another word for 'choose'. It can also mean to take from a tree as in 'pick fruit'. At the end of the summer in the UK you often see a sign saying: PYO. This means 'pick your own' and you can go to the farm and pick the soft fruit such as raspberries or strawberries from the bushes and then pay for the amount you have taken.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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