The Village Idiom

slow on the uptake

The idiom "slow on the uptake" is used to describe someone who takes a longer time than others to understand or comprehend something.

Talk & communication · Filed under S

In a sentence

  • He is slow on the uptake and often needs extra time to understand new concepts.
  • She was slow on the uptake, which made it difficult for her to keep up with the fast-paced lecture.
  • The joke went over his head because he was slow on the uptake and didn't catch the punchline.

Where it comes from and how it is used

Yet another related idiom is "slow off the mark." This phrase describes someone who is slow to react or respond to a situation or opportunity. It conveys a sense of delay or sluggishness in taking action.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.