slow on the uptake
Of a person, slow to comprehend or process intellectually.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He is a bit slow on the uptake with new technology.”
“I explained the rules three times, but he was still slow on the uptake and kept making mistakes.”
“Although he possessed a sharp memory for historical dates, he was notoriously slow on the uptake when it came to understanding subtle social cues.”
- 01
do a slow burn
To experience a gradually increasing feeling of anger or frustration; to slowly burn.
- 02
quick on the uptake
Able to readily understand things; aware and intelligent.
- 03
slow burn
Something that emerges or unfolds slowly or gradually.
- 04
slow march
A progression or unfolding of events which occurs in an unhurried, steady, deliberate manner.
- 05
slow off the mark
slow to act or react
- 06
slow study
One who takes a long time to learn or understand things; a slow learner.
- 07
slow up
To slow; to slow down; to decelerate.
- 08
slower than molasses
Alternative form of slow as molasses.
Last updated August 10, 2026