slow (redirected from slows down)

be slow off the mark

to be slow to act or to react to an event or situation. The federal government was criticized for being slow off the mark in helping towns hit by the recent hurricane.

See also: mark

be slow on the draw (mainly American)

be quick on the draw - to be fast at understanding or reacting to a situation. You're a bit slow on the draw aren't you? Can't you see the joke?

See also: draw

be slow on the uptake

to be slow to understand new ideas. I tried to explain the new database, but they were remarkably slow on the uptake.

See also: uptake

do a slow burn (American & Australian, informal)

to have a feeling of anger that gradually increases. As he heard more about the plan to develop the area for industrial use he started doing a slow burn.

See also: burn

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slow on the uptake

not able to understand something quickly. I tried to explain how the new software works to my manager, but he's a little slow on the uptake.

Usage notes: also used in the form quick on the uptake able to understand something quickly: He was quick on the uptake and able to realize right away what was wrong.

See also: uptake