be quick/slow on the uptake

be (a little) slow on the uptake

To struggle to understand something. This phrase is often used as a euphemism for stupidity. Joe's a nice kid, but tutoring him is a challenge because he's a little slow on the uptake, you know? That group is slow on the uptake, so I don't know if they'll ever understand how to use this fancy new printer. Sorry about that mistake, I'm a little slow on the uptake this morning.

See also: on, slow, uptake

be quick on the uptake

To be able to grasp or understand things 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. I wasn't very quick on the uptake as a kid, so school was never my favorite place to be.

See also: on, quick, uptake

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be quick (or slow) on the uptake

be quick (or slow) to understand something. informal

See also: on, quick, uptake

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

be ˌquick/ˌslow on the ˈuptake

(informal) understand things quickly/understand even simple things with difficulty: He’s a very good worker but he’s a bit slow on the uptake sometimes. You have to explain everything twice.

See also: on, quick, slow, uptake

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017