quick on the uptake
Able to grasp or understand something very quickly and easily. She's pretty quick on the uptake, so I'm sure she'll figure out the directions you left her. This is a fast-paced environment, so you'll need to be quick on the uptake from the moment you start the job.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on the uptake
In understanding or comprehension. This term is most often put as quick on the uptake, for readily understanding something, and slow on the uptake, for being slow to comprehend. For example, Shirley will have no trouble learning that new computer program-she's very quick on the uptake . It alludes to absorbing ("taking up") information. [Early 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.