How to Pronounce "on the uptake"
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈəpˌteɪk
AHN thuh UHP-tayk
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈʌpteɪk
ON thuh UHP-tayk
Definition
Describes how quickly someone understands or learns something, often used in phrases like 'quick on the uptake' (learns fast) or 'slow on the uptake' (learns slowly).
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈəpˌteɪk
British English
ˈɒn/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈʌpteɪk
Simplified Pronunciation
US
AHN thuh UHP-tayk
UK
ON thuh UHP-tayk
Listen in Context
He's very quick on the uptake, so he learns new things fast.
My sister is a bit slow on the uptake, but she always tries her best.
Some students are not as quick on the uptake, but they improve with practice.
It took me a while to get the joke—I guess I'm a bit slow on the uptake today!