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Topologically Interlocked Structures (TIS) are architected assemblies made of unbonded and geometrically interlocking building blocks. Slab-like TIS are, by far, the most widely used and studied application. They possess a unique set of advantageous mechanical properties which include resistance to crack propagation, demountability and modularity, and notably, an excellent ability to absorb loading energy. The latter is directly related to their ability to develop large deflections – larger than the panel's thickness. While it is known that the deflection of beam-like TIS cannot exceed their thickness, the deflection limit of slab-like TIS remains unknown. The same goes for the mechanism responsible for the fundamental difference between slab-like and beam-like TIS. Here, we propose a mechanism that explains the improved deflection potential of slab-like TIS, formulate and validate an upper-bound limit of this potential, and demonstrate a systematic strategy to maximize both the deflection and the energy absorption potential of slab-like TIS. This strategy opens new design paths to passively control the deformation mechanics and with it the structural capacity of slab-like TIS.