be quick on the 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.See also: on, quick, uptake

be quick (or slow) on the uptake

be quick (or slow) to understand something. informalSee also: on, quick, uptake

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