Were a little slow on the uptake In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "were a little slow on the uptake", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Jimmy Hung calendar 2021-08-25 11:08

Meaning of Were a little slow on the uptake (redirected from be (a little) slow on the uptake )

Synonyms:

slow on the draw

Be (a little) slow on the uptake phrase informal

Be slow to understand something

John is a little slow on the uptake, so he can't catch up with his friends.

Could you explain one more time? I'm a little slow on the uptake.

They are a little slow on the uptake when it comes to the astronomy.

Other phrases about:

read somebody like a book

To understand easily what someone is thinking or feeling

 

work one out

Be able to understand one's behaviour or character

put (oneself) in (someone's) shoes

To try to imagine how would you feel if you were in someone's else situation

familiarize (someone or oneself) with (something)

Used to describe starting to understand or learn about something.

 

under no illusions
To understand the truth of a situation 

Grammar and Usage of Be (a little) slow on the uptake

Verb Forms

  • am a little slow on the uptake
  • are a little slow on the uptake
  • is a little slow on the uptake
  • was a little slow on the uptake
  • were a little slow on the uptake

The verb "be" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Be (a little) slow on the uptake

"Uptake" as a synonym for "apprehension" started as a Scottish word and expressions similar to “quick on the uptake” existed in Scotland as early as the mid-1800s.

The Origin Cited: Idioms.online .
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TODAY
(right) up your alley

Being perfectly suitable for one's interests or abilities

Example:

Jasmine really loves children, so being a kindergarten teacher would be right up her alley.

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