Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
take up the slack
Phrase
teɪk ʌp ðə slæk
Definition
To take on the responsibilities or work left undone by someone else, often to help out or balance a situation.
Examples
- If one team member is absent, the rest need to take up the slack to meet the project deadline.
- She had to take up the slack in her friend’s preparations for the event when they fell ill.
- During the busy season, employees often take up the slack for their colleagues on vacation.
Meaning
The phrase often implies stepping in to fill a gap or address a deficiency in effort or productivity.
Synonyms
- fill in
- step in
- cover for
- shoulder the burden
- take on
