pick/take up the slack
idiom
: to provide or do something that is missing or not getting done
The manager has to take up the slack when employees don't do their jobs correctly.
When he didn't get the pay raise he was expecting, he had to take another job to pick up the slack for more money.
Examples of pick/take up the slack in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Bangladesh has since opened a new air cargo hub at one of its major airports to pick up the slack.
—
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 22 May 2025
But fear not, Congress and the Administration have already begun to take up the slack.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 May 2025
Without enough of either, teachers and paraprofessionals in the schools have to adapt and pick up the slack.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
Open requisitions have been put on hold, leaving managers to pick up the slack.
—Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pick/take up the slack
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 22 May 2025
But fear not, Congress and the Administration have already begun to take up the slack.
—Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 19 May 2025
Without enough of either, teachers and paraprofessionals in the schools have to adapt and pick up the slack.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
Open requisitions have been put on hold, leaving managers to pick up the slack.
—Roberta Matuson, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pick/take up the slack
Cite this Entry
“Pick/take up the slack.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pick%2Ftake%20up%20the%20slack. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share