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# a bit slow

phrase (adjective phrase: a bit slow, rather slow)

«a bit slow» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism) not very clever or slow to learn and understand.
2. (literal) moving or happening at a speed that is a little too low: the bus is a bit slow.
3. (business) quiet, with few customers: trade is a bit slow today.

### In the lessons

Used to hint that someone has trouble understanding without saying «stupid»; everyday, all regions; can be kind or unkind depending on tone. Today it is seen as rude about people with learning difficulties — schools say «needs more time» instead. The literal speed sense is the commonest.

### Examples

- The bus is a bit slow on Sundays.
- My laptop's a bit slow since the update.
- Sorry, I'm a bit slow today — what did you mean?
- Business has been a bit slow this week.
- He's a nice lad, just a bit slow on the uptake.
- The clock in the hall is a bit slow, about five minutes behind.
- Rough talk: «Are you a bit slow or what? I said left!»

### Note

About people it stands for «stupid» or «has learning difficulties» and can hurt; say «finds it hard» or «needs more time». In maths, «a bit slow» about a clock means it shows an earlier time than the real one: a clock 5 minutes slow shows 3:55 at 4:00. «Slow on the uptake» = slow to understand.