The idiom "pick up the slack" means to take over the responsibilities or work that someone else is not doing or has left unfinished. It is used when someone is not doing their job properly or is absent, and others have to work harder to make up for their lack of effort.
For example, if a team member is not completing their tasks on time, the other team members may have to pick up the slack and do extra work to ensure that the project is completed on time. Similarly, if a co-worker is absent from work, their colleagues may have to pick up the slack and cover their workload.
In easy English, "pick up the slack" means to do more work to make up for someone else's laziness or absence. It is a way of ensuring that the work gets done, even if someone is not doing their part.
• After the vacation, I had to pick up the slack at work and catch up on all the emails.
• Can you pick up the slack and help me carry these groceries?
• Our team needs to pick up the slack if we want to finish this project on time.
• The new employee needs to pick up the slack and learn to be more productive.
• The manager had to pick up the slack and take on extra responsibilities when the team was short-staffed.
• The company had to pick up the slack and invest in new technology to stay competitive in the market.
• Anna had to pick up the slack at work because her coworker was on vacation.
• The government must pick up the slack in providing healthcare to citizens who cannot afford it.
• The new employee was struggling, so the team had to pick up the slack and help them out.
• After the company downsized, the remaining staff had to pick up the slack and take on additional responsibilities.
• The captain of the team had to ensure that every player was doing their part and picking up the slack to win the championship.
• I had to pick up the slack for my friend who was sick and couldn't finish their homework.