on the uptake

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s expected to cover more than 100 acres and cost about $350 million, a grand ambition for a guy who jokes about being slow on the uptake.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

L.A. is a little slower on the uptake but that is sure to change as padel’s popularity grows.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2025

It’s no huge surprise that Kevin McCarthy is a little slow on the uptake.

From Salon • Oct. 17, 2023

A Fed survey of senior financial officers at nearly 100 banks released this week sheds some new light on the uptake for the new lending facility set up in March.

From Reuters • Aug. 3, 2023

Ned repeated, a little slow on the uptake.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023