soak up

present singular third person soaks up · participle present soaking up · participle past soaked up · past soaked up

1. To absorb or draw in a substance, especially all of that substance.

   The tissue soaked up all of the spilled milk.

2. broadlyfigurativelyTo absorb or deflect a series of actions; to endure a behavior from someone.

   Tan was not at Stamford Bridge and Mackay's tactics proved effective as his side soaked up Chelsea's attacks despite conceding the majority of possession, and frequently threatened on the break.

   2013 October 19, Chris Bevan, BBC Sport

   1 more example

   When Nirvana toured with us in 1991 before Nevermind broke, no one in Europe knew who they were. They were often the first band onstage at festivals, playing amazing shows filmed by Dave Markey, the filmmaker who came along with us to document the tour that later became the film 1991: The Year Punk Broke. The movie had a lot of humorous moments of over-the-top self-indulgence—it was basically a spoof of rockumentaries. Kurt was always funny and fun to be around, and seemed to soak up any kind of personal attention. I felt very big-sisterly, almost maternal, whenever the two of us were together, and it shows in that film.

   2015, Kim Gordon, chapter 30, in Carrie Thornton, editor, Girl in a Band, New York: Dey st., →ISBN, page 179

3. idiomaticTo learn, especially passively or eagerly; to allow an experience to affect oneself.
4. To enjoy some effects.

   soak up the sun

   1 more example

   Even so, this delightful station is well worth a visit, - either to admire the architecture, sip a coffee from the shop, or just soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the area and watch the birds and other wildlife on the shores right outside the station.

   2022 January 12, Paul Bigland, “Fab Four: the nation's finest stations: Grange-over-Sands”, in RAIL, number 948, page 28