pick up the slack
The phrase "pick up the slack" is commonly used in work environments to describe compensating for a shortfall in effort or resources.
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Definition
B2Workplace
(informal)To take on additional tasks or responsibilities that someone else has neglected or is unable to complete.
Example
- With John on vacation, I'll need to pick up the slack to ensure our project stays on schedule.
- The team worked overtime to pick up the slack after several members called in sick.
B2General
(informal)To make up for a deficiency in resources, effort, or performance.
Example
- We need to pick up the slack in our budget to cover unexpected expenses.
- After the funding cuts, the community had to pick up the slack to keep the program running.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "pick up the slack":
take up the slackslack offpick upslacken offpicking up the mantlepick up the threads ofpick up oncatch uptake uptake up the cudgelspick up stitchesdrop the ballfall behindbring up short