soak up

/soʊk ʌp/◆phrasal verb

to absorb or take in fully

The sponge quickly soaks up the spilled water.

The sponge absorbs the spilled water completely.

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

to absorb or take in something, often slowly or deeply

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

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

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

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

soak

to make or become thoroughly wet

root

indicates completion or thoroughness

preposition

English Dictionary