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soak up

/soʊk ʌp/
phrasal_verb★Intermediate— to absorb or take in fully◆phrasal verb
informal

To absorb or take in something, often liquid or information, completely or thoroughly.

She soaks up knowledge like a sponge.

She absorbs information very quickly and easily.

The towel soaks up the water from the floor.

The towel absorbs the water from the floor.

💡

Often used metaphorically to describe learning or absorbing information.

Collocations

soak up the sunto enjoy being in the sunsoak up knowledgeto learn or absorb information

Synonyms

absorbtake inimbibesaturate

Antonyms

releasedrainexpel

Related Phrases

soak inphrasal verb
to absorb or take in something, often slowly or deeply

💡Pro Tip

Metaphorical Use

The phrase is often used metaphorically to describe learning or absorbing information, not just physical absorption.

⚡Gold Rule

Context Matters

Ensure the context makes it clear whether the phrase is used literally (e.g., for liquids) or metaphorically (e.g., for knowledge).

📖Word Origin

From the verb 'soak' (to make or become thoroughly wet) combined with the preposition 'up' (indicating completion or thoroughness).

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used for both physical absorption (e.g., towels soaking up water) and metaphorical absorption (e.g., soaking up knowledge).

Word Breakdown

soak
to make or become thoroughly wet
root
+
up
indicates completion or thoroughness
preposition
English Dictionary

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