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On the Uptake

What Does "On the Uptake" Mean?

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"On the uptake" is an English idiom. It means "quick to understand or learn something; alert or receptive to new information or ideas."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "on the uptake" used in a sentence:
  • He's always on the uptake when it comes to technology trends, staying informed about the latest developments.
  • The student was on the uptake during the lecture, actively participating and asking insightful questions.
  • Having a curious mind, she was on the uptake about various topics and enjoyed expanding her knowledge.
meaning for on the uptake

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "On the Uptake" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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