Take up the slack
verb
To do someone else's work that they are unable or unwilling to do.
Since Tom called in sick, I had to take up the slack and finish his work.
Often appears as...
- take up the slack in
- have to take up the slack
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To adjust a rope, cable etc. so that it is tight.
We need to take up the slack before we start sailing.
Often appears as...
- take up the slack on
- need to take up the slack
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To provide what is missing or required.
When government funding fell through, private donors had to take up the slack.
Often appears as...
- donors take up the slack
- funding take up the slack
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To do someone else's work that they are unable or unwilling to do.
Since Tom called in sick, I had to take up the slack and finish his work.
Often appears as...
- take up the slack in
- have to take up the slack
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To adjust a rope, cable etc. so that it is tight.
We need to take up the slack before we start sailing.
Often appears as...
- take up the slack on
- need to take up the slack
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To provide what is missing or required.
When government funding fell through, private donors had to take up the slack.
Often appears as...
- donors take up the slack
- funding take up the slack
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Team Responsibility
Used when someone must handle extra work because others can't.
Alex often has to take up the slack when his team falls behind on deadlines.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Actual Slack
Metaphorically refers to picking up extra duties, not literal slack.
With the manager away, Janet had to take up the slack and lead the team.
Pro Tip 3/3Willingness Implied
Suggests a helpful attitude or sense of duty in difficult situations.
I'll take up the slack while you're recovering from your surgery.
Pro Tip 1/3Team Responsibility
Used when someone must handle extra work because others can't.
Alex often has to take up the slack when his team falls behind on deadlines.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Actual Slack
Metaphorically refers to picking up extra duties, not literal slack.
With the manager away, Janet had to take up the slack and lead the team.
Pro Tip 3/3Willingness Implied
Suggests a helpful attitude or sense of duty in difficult situations.
I'll take up the slack while you're recovering from your surgery.
Pro Tip 1/3Team Responsibility
Used when someone must handle extra work because others can't.
Alex often has to take up the slack when his team falls behind on deadlines.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Actual Slack
Metaphorically refers to picking up extra duties, not literal slack.
With the manager away, Janet had to take up the slack and lead the team.
Pro Tip 3/3Willingness Implied
Suggests a helpful attitude or sense of duty in difficult situations.
I'll take up the slack while you're recovering from your surgery.
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