slow on the uptake
Not catching on
Slow on the uptake describes someone who is slow to understand or grasp something—not quick to catch on.
The uptake is comprehension or understanding, and being slow on it suggests mental sluggishness: He's a bit slow on the uptake, so you may need to explain it twice.
The phrase is mildly insulting, implying dullness without calling someone outright stupid.
Closely packed together
dopey · daft · unperceptive · imperceptive · vacant · sluggish · behind · delayed
Utterly unable to understand
- perplexedThoroughly confused, uncertain
- confusedUnable to understand
- bewilderedThoroughly puzzled and confused
- stumpedUnable to solve
flummoxed · nonplussed · mystified · befuddled · dumbfounded · puzzled · clueless · lost
dense
Closely packed together
dim · dopey · daft · unperceptive · imperceptive · vacant · sluggish · behind · delayed · missing the point
baffled
Utterly unable to understand
- perplexedThoroughly confused, uncertain
- confusedUnable to understand
- bewilderedThoroughly puzzled and confused
stumped · flummoxed · nonplussed · mystified · befuddled · dumbfounded · puzzled · clueless · lost · blank
- Mind Idiomssharp mind, open mind, quick wit, bird brain, pea brain
slow on the uptakequick on the uptake
Fast to understand
quick-witted · fast learner · sharp as a tack · sharp · quick
slow, slower, slowest, slowly, slowness, slowed, slowing, uptake, take