1. profits or gains obtained from a situation, especially when obtained easily or dishonestly
Usage: usually plural
2. small amounts of food remaining after a meal, especially meat left on bones
Usage: usually plural

Examples

• The corrupt officials enjoyed rich pickings from the government contracts.
• There were slim pickings for investors in the declining market.
• After the feast, only meager pickings remained on the turkey bones.
• The scavengers found good pickings in the abandoned warehouse.
• With so many competitors, the pickings were lean for new businesses.
• She saved the chicken pickings to make soup stock.
• Easy pickings awaited the thieves in the unlocked cars.