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
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
For now, congressional Republicans are keeping their distance from potential road-use charges, or mileage fees, to pick up the slack for declining gas-tax revenue.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. did everything within their power to pick up the slack.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 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.
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
For now, congressional Republicans are keeping their distance from potential road-use charges, or mileage fees, to pick up the slack for declining gas-tax revenue.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. did everything within their power to pick up the slack.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 9 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 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share